BRITAIN'S Got Talent singer Hope Murphy is to join a TOWIE star on Friday for the Ongar Christmas lights switch-on.
The teen songstress, who made it to the semi-finals of the popular TV show, will perform a duet on stage at the High Street event with Paul Hardcastle Jnr, the son of the 80s star of the same name who hit the top of the charts with the single 19.
As revealed in the Gazette last month, TOWIE's Ricky Rayment will also be in town.
He will arrive on a steam train from North Weald at around 6.15pm, and ride on Santa's sleigh into the High Street ahead of the big switch-on at 7pm.
The celebration kicks off at 4.45pm and many shops will be opening late. Visitors are being urged to wear Santa hats.
There will be Christmas songs from local singer Sarah O'Shea and Santa Claus will be in his grotto at St Martin's Church rooms in Castle Street.
A steam train will be running throughout the evening between Ongar and North Weald stations.
The train will depart North Weald Station at 5.05pm, 6pm and 7.55pm, arriving in Ongar at 5.18pm, 6.15pm and 8.09pm.
Return journeys from Ongar Station are scheduled at 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.20pm, arriving at North Weald at 5.45pm, 7.42pm and 8.32pm. Return fares cost £3.
