Jonathan Ross and Paddington Bear light up streets

CONTROVERSIAL chat show host Jonathan Ross chose Paddington over his own neighbourhood in north London to switch on the annual Christmas lights display. Ross joined Paddington Bear on a bus tour around central Padding-ton before turning o

Sanchez Manning

CONTROVERSIAL chat show host Jonathan Ross chose Paddington over his own neighbourhood in North London to switch on the annual Christmas lights display.

Ross joined Paddington Bear on a bus tour around central Paddington before turning on the illuminations outside Norfolk Gardens.

The TV funnyman said the reason why he had not been the guest of honour at his local area's Christmas lights ceremony was simply because he had not been asked.

Ross said another reason he agreed to switch on the Paddington lights is because his production company is based in the district.

He also professed a desire to support the work of the Paddington Business Improvement District, which organised the festive event.

He said: "I've had an office here for about a year and a half and I'm here all the time and I'm very excited what they do with the district."

Ross revealed that his Christmas was going to be a quiet affair at home in Hampstead Garden Suburb with his family. "We were going to go to America but now we're staying in the UK," he said. "Jane will be doing the cooking because she's much better at it than me."

Ross made a particularly big impression on a group of pupils from Edward Wilson primary school in Paddington who were introduced to the TV star.

Maxine Chapman, chairwoman of Paddington BID, said: "We are very pleased that Jonathan Ross took time out of his busy schedule to turn on the lights.