POP Idol runner-up Gareth Gates will carry on the tradition of Fairfield Halls' panto star switching on the town's Christmas lights on November 13.
The switch-on will be attended by the Spirit in the Sky singer, who will repeat the trick carried out by Eastenders stars in the last three festive seasons.
Last year, Phil Mitchell actor Steve McFadden, Big Mo actress Laila Morse and Larry Lamb, who played evil Archie Mitchell, have all switched on the lights at events organised by Croydon BID.
Gates, 30, will star as Prince Charming in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Fairfield Halls from December 5 2014 to January 4 2015.
He recently starred in The Big Reunion as part of a 'super' group with Croydon's Dane Bowers.
