EastEnders actress Jessie Wallace, who plays fiery Kat Slater, switched on this year's Christmas lights in Reading.

Hundreds of fans turned up to see the star, who joined former children's TV presenter Keith Chegwin to push down the plunger and start the display.

Ms Wallace signed autographs for fans after lighting up Broad Street Mall.

One said: "I was so excited. It was absolutely brilliant to see her.

"She looks exactly the same as she does on the telly but a lot quieter."

Ms Wallace was this year named sexiest female at the British Soap Awards in London.