The big Christmas lights switch-on added a well-known radio personality to this year’s billing when one of the town's favourite sons agreed live on air to flip the switch.

Lifelong Watford FC fan and former Watford Grammar School for Boys pupil Chris Stark, of Radio 1’s Scott Mills Show fame, was surprised live on air by Leigh Brooks, marketing manager at intu Watford, who invited him to press the big red button on this year’s switch-on.

READ MORE: Christmas lights switch on 2016 - Radio 1 presenter to be guest star.

After arguing with his co-presenter that you should not be turning on the lights of a town you do not hail from – “you shouldn’t be turning on the lights of another town, it’s not right” – Chris accepts the offer, saying “It’s a massive, massive honour, and I won’t let you down.”

The Observer clearly features prominently in Chris' fond memories of the town, and he asks “I imagine the Watford Observer will be there?” before adding “Big up the Watford Observer.”

Intu Watford’s Leigh Brooks said: “We are delighted that Chris accepted our invitation to help turn on our Christmas lights this year.

“Chris will be joining our 2016 Christmas Star and players from the football club to hit that big red button and officially begin the festive season at intu Watford.

“Chris was really excited to receive our invite to return to Watford this November, reminiscing some of his young memories and town favourites, including the Watford Observer.”

The intu Watford Christmas Switch On takes place from 4pm on Thursday November 10, with free family fun and entertainment, a signing session with players from Watford FC, stars from Beauty and the Beast at Watford Palace Theatre Panto, free car parking and much more.

The shopping centre is once again on the hunt to find their local hero to become the Christmas Star 2016, following in the footsteps of 2014 winner Rio Woolf and 2015 winner Brooke Cornwell.

Voting for the top five is now taking place on the intu Watford website and at the customer service desk in-centre until October 28.

For more information, visit www.intu.co.uk/Watford.