EVEN hardened Darreners might just accept why Union J’s George Shelley opted for the sweltering Australian bush instead of sub-zero Market Square.

But more than 1,500 frost-bitten folk still packed out the town centre to cheer on substitute headliner Max Stone.

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And the X Factor contender, just like when faced by Simon Cowell’s barbs, let sizzling renditions of Coolio’s Gangster’s Paradise and Prince’s Purple Rain do the talking.

Paying tribute to the shivering crowd, he said: “It really is very cold – you’ve all done great to come out here tonight and support this.”

His set followed performances by fellow X Factor contestants Josh Daniel and Matt Fitzgerald, who was in Connected and ReConnected after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent.

All three singers joined Darwen Town Mayor Cllr Trevor Maxfield, the borough’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Farid Hussain and Darren Tower, the mascot for the Rotarian’s landmark project, in flicking the switch for the Christmas lights.

And a fireworks display then lit up the night sky over the Three Day Market, before host, The Bee breakfast DJ Rob Charles, officially closed the show, urging people to keep their shopping habits local over the Yuletide season.

Mother-of-two Hazel Drax, from Darwen, said: “The girls were a bit disappointed when they found out Union J weren’t coming but you’ve got to hand it to Max really.”

Shelley is currently in I’m A Celebrity and Josh Cuthbert is believed to have been lined up as a reserve.