Comic Paddy McGuinness will switch on the Bolton 2017 Christmas lights

Home-grown comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness will be giving residents a seasonal treat when he switches on the town’s Christmas lights on November 16.

He is the latest addition to a long line of celebrities who pushed the trigger in Victoria Square – including Jason Kenny, Danny Jones, Vernon Kay and Amir Khan.

Paddy, who was born in Farnworth and attended Mount St Joseph school, supports Bolton Wanderers and still lives in the North West with his wife Christine and their three children.

He said: “I’m delighted to be switching on the lights in Bolton, my home town this year.

“I’ve always been a proud Boltonian and I’ve been a part of the fantastic crowds that turn out every year. This time though I’ll be the one up there switching on the lights!”

The local lad who shot to fame in Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere is the popular presenter of ITV’s Take Me Out as well as enjoying success on shows like The Keith and Paddy Picture Show and stand-up comedy tours.

The Christmas lights switch on will start at 5pm on November 16, with Paddy counting down to the big switch-on at 7pm, sponsored by the Market Place shopping centre.

Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, added: “We’re really pleased to be able to welcome Paddy to Bolton’s Christmas Lights switch-on and thrilled that he has agreed to flick the switch for us this year.

“Paddy is a local lad who has really put Bolton on the map and we’re really pleased that he still comes back regularly to visit.

“Starting with the lights switch-on, we will have something for all the family in the run up to Christmas, including plenty of festive entertainment and attractions in the town centre.”

For all the build-up and action at Bolton’s Christmas light switch-on, follow the council on Twitter @Boltoncouncil and get involved using #BoltonXmasLights.