TV superstar Rylan Clark-Neal brought the X-Factor to Freeport as he switched on the shopping centre's Christmas lights.

The celebrity shot to fame on ITV's talent show, before going on the win Celebrity Big Brother in 2013.

He is now one of TV's most well known faces and hosts his own Channel 5 chat show as well as having a regular spot on This Morning.

At Thursday on Freeport it was a Christmas extravaganza, with a herd of reindeer paying a visit to meet with shoppers.

There were also performances from local musicians and of course special offers for shoppers to enjoy throughout the village.

Josef O’Sullivan, manager of Freeport, said: “What a fantastic way to start the festive season.

"A huge thanks to the hundreds and hundreds of people who came down to celebrate the start of Christmas with us here at Freeport Braintree, and of course to meet our very own Essex boy turned TV star Rylan who was just brilliant turning on the illuminations for us.

"Our next event is ‘Carols for Christmas’ on 10 December, so we hope lots of you will come and join us then for a great day of free festive entertainment, whilst finding some terrific gifts for friends and family.”