Tonight:
5°c
Sugababes and 50,000 fans light up Oxford Street
Anna Davis13 Nov 2008
WEST END: The Sugababes switched on Oxford Street's Christmas lights, helped by X-Factor finalists in front of 50,000 screaming fans.
The 49th annual event took place at House of Fraser last night. The Sugababes were invited to "push the button" while X-Factor contestants Daniel, Rachel, Ruth and Alexandra performed their smash hit charity single Hero.
The evening's entertainment also saw Heart 106.2's Jamie Theakston and Harriet Scott on stage. The cast of the musical Mamma Mia! also performed songs from the smash hit show.
For nine weeks, what is described as a "dazzling canopy" of chandeliers will stretch above the heads of shoppers as they visit Oxford Street's 300 shops. The lights are made up of LED bulbs which use 75 per cent less energy than conventional bulbs.
The Sugababes agreed with thousands of fans that Laura should not have been kicked out of the X Factor at the weekend.
Sugababe Keisha said: "I almost smashed my TV."
Amelle agreed and Heidi also added: "Laura should not have been kicked out."
X Factor contestant Ruth, who was in the bottom two with Laura, said she felt terrible for her. She described her as: "One of the best singers I have ever heard and I wish her the best of luck."
Alexandra said the finalists would definitely keep in touch adding: "We have all been friends since the beginning."
Ruth said Laura was happy now, and Alexandra added: "She's definitely going to get a deal."
Ruth and Alexandra said they planned to become flat mates once the X Factor tour is over.
Alexandra said she wanted to live in the Arsenal area of London.
She described fellow contestant Diana, who did not perform on Saturday after being diagnosed with laryngitis, as a "fighter".
Diana released a statement earlier today saying she went to a fireworks display while under the weather and was diagnosed with laryngitis last Friday.
The entertainment also saw Heart 106.2's Jamie Theakston and Harriet Scott on stage. The cast of Mamma Mia! also performed songs from the smash hit musical.
For nine weeks a "dazzling canopy" of chandeliers will stretch above the heads of shoppers as they visit Oxford Street's 300 shops.
The lights are made up of LED bulbs which use 75% less energy than conventional bulbs.
Reader views (1)
Why did we need to waste public money for this event? Just switch them on without the hoo-ha!! It's absurd. What was also absurd was the lack of signage to altered bus routes - TFL messed up big time. I was unlucky enough to get stuck in it all (inadvertently), and no London Buses rep could tell me the correct information about diversions. Ridiculous.
- Ms, London, 13/11/2008 23:59
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