Blackburn's 'Strictly Come Dancing' star AJ Odudu will bring some glitter to her home town when she turns on its Christmas lights.

She will take centre stage at the end of a day of dance and music on King William Street on Saturday, November 26 when she performs the festive switch-on.

Miss Odudu, who made the final of the hit BBC show in 2021 before having to pull out with an injured ankle, will headline the evening which will end with a firework display.

BBC Radio Lancashire presenters Nish Hindocha and Sharon Hartley will host the free event, which will begin with a performance by Blackburn with Darwen Brass Band, followed by a singing and dancing opening show by Blackburn-based Pop Up Entertainment.

During the afternoon local dance and theatre schools and performing arts groups will entertain the crowds.

The finale show - starting at 5.30pm with a large cast of singers, dancers, and performers - will culminate in the town centre’s Christmas Lights being switched on by Miss Odudu, followed by a fireworks display.

The Blackburn-born 34-year-old attended St Bede's RC High School and St Mary's College in Blackburn before going to Keele University.

She has also presented Channel 4’s 'Big Brother’s Bit on the Side' with Rylan Clark and Emma Willis, and the 2021 Channel 4 reality show spin-off 'Married at First Sight: Afters'.

Blackburn's festive events have been jointly organised by Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council, The Mall and Blackburn Festival of Light CIC.

On the same day as the lights switch on, Santa Claus will open his Christmas Toy Emporium in The Mall Blackburn.

A ‘Blackburn Gingerbread Christmas Trail’, organised by Blackburn BID), will run between December 2 and 31 December.

The seasonal festivities will also feature the return of the Blackburn Festival of Light on Saturday, December 17. The 11th annual parade through the town centre will include creative light art sculptures, community-created lanterns, creative performers and musicians.

From Monday, December 5 King George’s Hall hosting its annual pantomime 'Jack and The Beanstalk'. Performances will run until December 31.

Catherine Price, Blackburn BID manager, said: “This year’s Christmas programme promises to bring smiles to the faces of everyone visiting Blackburn with lots to see and do this festive period.

“We are delighted to announce that Blackburn’s very own AJ Odudu will be our special guest this year, officially switching on the Christmas lights for the town.”

Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming AJ.

“She’s been a fantastic ambassador for the town and is really proud of her roots.

“Our teams are already busy putting up the lights and soon the Christmas trees will be arriving too.”