The singing sensation, who had been hotly tipped to win the popular ITV show, will be in Peterborough on Saturday to perform and help turn on the festive lights that adorn the city centre.

Her ejection from the talent show on Saturday following the casting vote of judge Louis Walsh has caused a storm of protests across the country and sparked a campaign for her to be reinstated.

Some 12,000 fans have signed an on-line petition in protest at her ejection and the matter has even been raised by culture secretary Andy Burnham in the House of Commons.

Laura will be joined by Mayor of Peterborough councillor Pat Nash and Father Christmas himself for the switch-on in Cathedral Square at 5.30pm after a packed programme of entertainment.

The celebrations for the annual show start at 1.30pm, in Cathedral Square, when the De Zweibels Oompah Band kick off the live entertainment, before a performance by popular local band The Brays at 2.30pm.

They will pave the way for a Frank Sinatra tribute act at 3.30pm, followed by a George Michael tribute act at 4.15pm.

The Fairy Godmother, who will be starring in the Key Theatre's pantomine, Cinderella, will be stopping off for a flying visit, before the arrival of Laura at 5pm.

The De Zweibels Oompah Band will perform again on stage at 6pm.

But that's not all, as The Snow Queen will also be walking among the crowds with her little elf helper sprinkling magic to shoppers, who will be able to browse stalls from across Europe at a continental market.

The market arrives in the city tomorrow, before concluding on Sunday, and stalls will be situated in Long Causeway, Cathedral Square and Bridge Street, with a carousel outside the town hall.

Peterborough City Council leader Cllr John Peach said: "I am delighted Laura will be joining us for the Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday.

"It's a great line-up which will appeal to all ages and give the city centre a real party atmosphere. I hope as many of you as possible will join us for a fun-filled afternoon."

The city council has teamed up with Hereward FM for this year's switch-on and breakfast show presenters Kev Lawrence and Abby Surgeon will be compering the event.

Kev Lawrence, also an ET columnist, said: "Everyone at Hereward FM is tremendously excited to be involved in this year's Christmas lights switch-on."

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BREAKING NEWS 8am:Laura White, who was controversially booted off X Factor on Saturday, has been unveiled as the celebrity lined up to switch on Peterborough's Christmas lights.
The singer will kick the festive proceedings off in Cathedral Square on Saturday and will also entertain the crowd and sign autographs.

Full story in tonight's Evening Telegraph.