CORONATION Street star Antony Cotton will switch on Salisbury’s Christmas lights on Thursday, the city council has announced.

This year’s festivities will see the return of the fireworks to the Market Place from 6-8pm, with the lights switched on at 7pm.

Antony will be joined on stage by the Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr John Lindley and Father Christmas for the official countdown.

On visiting Salisbury next week, Antony said: “I am so excited to be coming to Salisbury, I am so passionate about my military charities and I know how important the military community is to the city.

“I cannot wait to see everyone as we count down to the official start of Christmas in Salisbury!”

Antony has played the part of Sean Tully since 2004 in the popular soap, and has won a number of awards for his role including Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards, Best Newcomer at the Inside Soap Awards and Funniest Performance.

At the 2007 British Soap Awards, Antony was awarded the Best Actor award, which was voted for by the public. He also won Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards.

Born in Manchester in 1975, Antony is ambassador for the Manchester united Foundation, Veteran’s Garage, SSAFA and local Tidworth charity Help For Heroes.

He is also Patron for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity and Manchester Pride.

Last week, ITV bosses confirmed that Antony would be appearing on the 2018 return of Dancing on Ice, he is partnered with professional skater newcomer Brandee Malto.