Stacey Solomon - who will be appearing at Southend's Cliffs Pavilion panto this year in Jack and the Beanstalk - will be spreading her Christmas sparkle elsewhere in Essex when she switches on the lights in Braintree.

The celebrity switch-on will take place on Thursday November 16.

The festivities get underway from 6pm with hosts Martin and Su from Heart FM on the main stage, building the anticipation and expectation before the switch is flicked at 7.30pm.

The fun starts from 4pm with a series of family-friendly activities and entertainment that younger visitors will find truly magical.

Dagenham star Stacey was taken to the nation’s heart when she first appeared on our screens as the ditzy but loveable girl-next-door on the X Factor. She went on to take the crown as Queen of the Jungle in I’m A Celebrity.

Today’s she’s known as one of the hosts of Loose Woman.

All the Freeport Braintree shops, cafes and restaurants will be open for an extra hour until 9pm.

Freeport Braintree’s Centre Manager Josef O’Sullivan said: “Stacey is one of the most recognisable TV stars coming to light up Freeport and kick start the festive period – and she’s an Essex girl too! There is something for all the family to enjoy throughout the event, so it is well worth coming along to join in the fun whilst also scoring top Brownie points for finding some terrific gifts for friends and family.”

For more information about what’s in store visit freeport-braintree.com