Channel 5 plug into the Oxford Street Christmas lights

The festive illuminations of the shopping street are reflected upon…

For over half a century the Oxford Street Christmas lights have been a feature of Britain’s most famous roads. In this Channel 5 documentary the programme looks back at the vast array of celebrities who have pressed the Christmas ‘switch on’ button turning on the seasonal lighting – from Madonna to Terry Wogan, Kylie to Robbie Williams.

The programme charts all the highs and lows from their very first incarnation in 1959 to cheer the national mood, to the very latest LED show stopping glory in 2024. When Oxford Street lights up, rivalry, famous stars and mountains of baubles are all part of the amazing experience that keeps shoppers and tourists coming back for more.

Looking back at the Oxford Street Christmas illuminations are names such as Lesley Joseph, Marcus Johnes, Jerry White, Linford Christie and Harriet Scott.

The Oxford Street Christmas Lights: Then & Now, Tuesday (Nov 26), Channel 5 at 9pm