Tower winds blow DJ Evans off-air

Chris Evans had to make his way back to London for his drivetime show

Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans has abandoned plans to broadcast live from Blackpool Tower after high winds closed it down.

Evans had a studio set up at the tower for his afternoon broadcast as a build-up to the switching on of the illuminations later.

Comedian Alan Carr is due to press the switch-on button for the six miles of illuminations at about 2125 BST.

Evans returned to his BBC London studio for his show, after an overnight stay in Blackpool.

He said: "I went to open the car door and the damn thing was nearly ripped from its hinges. Wind like you wouldn't believe.

"I used to come to Blackpool almost every year with mum and dad for our hols but I have never witnessed wind like that before."

Reporter battles Blackpool winds

DJ Evans said he received a phone call telling him the tower was closed and would remain so all day, and that he needed to get back to London in time to host that day's show.

Radio 2 is broadcasting a live concert from Blackpool to mark the start of the 2009 illuminations featuring JLS, Madness, Tony Christie, Paloma Faith, and Pixie Lott.

Channel 4 chat show host Carr's father Graham managed Blackpool football club in 1990.

The modern display of illuminations was first organised in May 1912 when 10,000 bulbs were arranged to mark the visit of Princess Louise to Blackpool.

The illuminations will remain switched on until 8 November.