8 stars who turned on Southampton's Christmas lights

So the Daily Echo had a look through the archives to bring you a few blasts from the past, of the sort of people who used to come to the city to turn on the annual Christmas lights in Above Bar Street.

2001 - Jim Davidson

He's endured a tough few years but comedian Jim Davidson was at the height of his fame in the early 2000s. The Big Break star hosted the Generation Game and was once named the funniest man in Britain.

2000 - Carla Stevens

You may not remember her, but Carla was a young singer on the “cusp of stardom” at the time.

1999 - John Challis - Boycie, from Only Fools and Horses

Famous for his portrayal of car dealer Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, John Challis was a popular choice to switch on the city's Christmas lights.

1998 - Frank Bruno

“You know what I mean, Harry?” - that was the famous catchphrase of former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno. A huge star in 1998, Bruno became champion for the first time in 1995 after beating Oliver McCall.

1997 - Postman Pat

A fictional character turning on the Christmas lights? It happened. The most famous postman in the world jumped in his iconic red Royal Mail van to do the honours.

1996 - Lionel Blair and Matt Le Tissier

This unusual pairing are best known for their footwork, albeit in very different ways. One is known as “Le God” among Sotonians for his mesmerising skills on the football pitch, the other is a famous dancer.

1995 - Gladiator 'Scorpio'

Gladiators was a massive television hit in the mid-90s, with millions tuning in to watch everyday Joes take on muscular titans. This year Scorpio, aka Nikki Diamond, turned out to switch on the Christmas lights.

1994 - Robin Cousins and Helen Hobson.

Ice skating star Robin Cousins was joined by actress Helen Hobson, who appeared in TV shows such as Heartbeat, The Bill and Doctors.

• Where is Southampton's Christmas spirit? >>