Alex Zane, Lorraine Ashbourne and Andy Serkis

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CHRISTMAS has officially begun in Highgate Village after the annual lights countdown and switch-on.

Last Thursday the illuminations were turned on by none other than actors Andy Serkis and Lorraine Ashbourne with the event being hosted by Alex Zane.

There were joyous cheers from the crowd as the high street lit up and at Pond Square with Mr Serkis even committing to deliver the countdown in the voice of his character Gollum from The Lord of the Rings.

But what would Gollum want for Christmas?

Mr Serkis told the Tribune: “There’s only one thing Gollum would want and we all know what that is… my precious!”

Ms Ashbourne said one of her favourite Christmas presents she has ever received was a personalised version of Cluedo made by her daughter.

She said: “It’s immaculate. We’ve never played it because it was so beautiful and all the murder weapons were to do with my life, like the blender which I used regularly. And then all the suspects were members of our family including our two cats. I love home-made presents, and experiences.

“The worst presents are when you get something to wear and you can’t take it back. You always want a receipt. I love a receipt.”

Christmas lights on the high street

This is the second time the husband and wife have turned on the lights in Highgate.

Mr Serkis said: “It’s an event that brings everyone together but also it’s at a time of year when people are slightly dreading the onset of winter and dark nights and the long stretch ahead. And actually it’s a lovely way of kicking things off.

“It’s also a good time and acceptable time to start eating mince pies – it’s a marker that Christmas begins and it’s always a good time.”

Alex Zane, in his sixth year of hosting the event, said every year was special, if not slightly different. He said: “It’s literally three minutes from my house, this is the perfect job for me. It’s really special, every time it’s different, every time it evolves and changes slightly.

“What I love is everyone who has ever done the hour of turning on the lights gives so much to the crowd after, doing selfies or giving autographs – it feels a lot like Highgate, giving time to a community event as opposed to an in-and-out job.”

The switch-on was made possible this year by a generous sponsorship from the developer Riverstone which is building retirement homes in Bishops Avenue. Last year the event was under threat after Camden Council withdrew its funding and this year Haringey Council has contributed to the funding again, as well as the estate agents Winkworth and Taylor Gibbs, The Highgate Dental Practice and the Highgate and Channing schools.