Peter Kay to switch on Blackpool lights

The legendary funnyman will flick the famous switch at the Illuminations launch party on Friday August 29.

Pop starlets Little Mix will headline the show, along with Scottish rockers Texas.

The Phoenix Nights star, 41, thought he had been announced as the switch-on star in 2006 only to end up playing second fiddle to afternoon quiz ‘personality’ Dale Winton, thanks to an 11th hour mix up by organisers.

Confusion reigned after Winton was also announced as the star of the show, a mix-up blamed on a delay in responding and a mix-up over who was doing what and when.

Many, including the comedian himself, thought Kay was “putting the big light on” – only for Winton to perform the honours.

Yet, as he prepares to return to Blackpool to flick the switch on the 2014 lights – on his own this time – the episode has clearly not dampened Peter ’s long-standing love affair with the town.