ALL dressed up and nowhere to go - that was TV star Jenny Powell in Blackpool on Sunday December 1), 24 hours late for the town's Christmas lights switch-on.

The dizzy dish of Wheel of Fortune fame is set to star in pantomime at the Grand Theatre this month and was to join co-star Roy Walker at the festive switch-on.

But mystery surrounded the Saturday night spectacular when Jenny failed to turn up.

In true theatrical tradition, however, they decided the show must go on even without her and one day later the reason for her absence was discovered.

The brunette beauty arrived in Blackpool on Sunday - a day late - dressed up for a glittering occasion which turned out to be more of a damp squib.

The switch had been flicked by Roy in a solo spot 24 hours before Jenny arrived and she went home red-faced.

Jenny told the Citizen: "I'm really sorry I missed switching the lights - it was a classic story, really.

"I arrived with my mum and dad all togged up for the special occasion, but the chap at the Grand Theatre box office said the lights were already on."

"I wanted to show mum around the theatre for a treat but she was so embarrassed we'd missed the switch-on she said: 'Jenny, let's just leave now.'"

Sarah Ogle of the Grand Theatre said: "I just hope Jenny remembers to turn up for the panto!"

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