Where is everyone? Amanda Holden switches on the capital's most underwhelming Christmas lights

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Silent night? Amanda Holden poses on Elizabeth Street in London's Belgravia district after turning on their Christmas lights


Like many celebrities before her, Amanda Holden was honoured when she was asked to switch on some Christmas lights.

But when the Britain's Got Talent judge turned up to light up Elizabeth Street in Belgravia last night, she was probably hoping for a bigger reception.

Turning on the modest festive lightning, it appeared the 39-year-old only managed to draw a small crowd.

The lighting was so subtle in the small shopping district, it barely deserved a ceremony.

But perhaps it's a sign of the more austere times.

Despite the small lighting behind her, the former Cutting It actress did manage to look suitably festive in a red cape and leopard-print wedge boots.


Looking festive: Amanda dressed for the occasion in a red cape and leopard-print wedge ankle boots


In comparison, Joe McElderry performed to thousands of people who waited in the cold as he turned on the lights of Regent Street.

As expected, the Regent Street ceremony proved a spectacular with a huge string of lights all down the thoroughfare.

Holden is bracing herself for a busy 2011 - balancing herself with rehearsals for Shrek: The Musical and Britain's Got Talent.


Careful of the traffic: Cars were still allowed down the short street during the ceremony


The ITV talent show will run auditions over the summer after moving its broadcast date to later in the year, while Shrek opens in London in May.

Holden takes over Cameron Diaz's role as Princess Fiona, alongside Nigel Lindsay as Shrek and Richard Blackwood as Donkey.

So far, Holden is the only judge confirmed to be returning to Britain's Got Talent.
Piers Morgan has stepped down for his new role on CNN, while Simon Cowell is yet to clarify his involvement.

Among the celebrities rumoured to be replacing Piers is comedian David Walliams, who was reportedly offered a £500,000 contract earlier this month.


Crowd-pleaser: Thousands of people turned out to watch Joe McElderry turn on the lights at Regent Street two weeks ago



Spectacular: Of course the lights in Regent Street were more of a grand affair





source: dailymail