WARRINGTON has had its fair share of cartoon characters and reality show contestants switching on the town’s Christmas lights over the years.

Bob the Builder, Sponge Bob Square Pants, X Factor finalists, the list goes on… But there was definitely more bling than Barney the dinosaur in the town centre on Friday night, as more than 2,500 ticket holders watched Peter Andre take to the stage outside Golden Square.

Speaking to the Guardian backstage, the 38-year-old Australian singer said: “Do you know what, I’d have been stoked if Barney was here! I’m really excited about it though.

“I did the Glasgow lights switch-on a week-and-a-half ago. I didn’t think there would be many people but there were thousands, then we did Kent last night so I was a little more optimistic about people turning up tonight.

“But at the start of all these things I always wonder if we’re going to get anyone there. I never take it for granted. You ask the guys, I’m always like, ‘is anyone out there?’”

Pete, who performed four songs – In The Still Of The Night, Behind Closed Doors, John Lennon’s Happy Christmas (War is Over) with his brother Chris and the song that made him famous in the 90s – Mysterious Girl – has suffered with well-documented throat problems recently but was determined to sing to his Warrington audience.

“I’m going through this intense voice therapy,” he said.

“I’ve got my steamer and do these exercises. I know it’s a bit bizarre, but I’m getting better.”

He was joined in the green room by his son Junior, who was desperate to get out on to the stage and show off a few of his own moves. “Calm down, it will happen when it happens,” he told the six-year-old. “I had to wait until I was 13 before I got on stage for the first time.” “Well it’s my chance now, so you worry about your stuff and I’ll worry about my stuff,” replied Junior. Pete, who was being filmed for his ITV2 reality series My Life, added: “Sorry about that, it’s always like this. “It’s the same off camera as it is on camera. When they cuddle up to you at night they’re so loving. They just try to act like they know everything. “But he’s my best friend, he loves hanging out with Paps.” It isn’t the first time the former I’m A Celebrity star, who is heading to Australia next week to film a guest appearance on the current ITV1 series, has been to Warrington and he couldn’t resist mentioning another well known reality show contestant. “I know I’m bringing up Kerry [Katona], but I was actually speaking to her today and I said how can I be coming to your home town and you’re not even going to be here, and she said (attempting to speak in a northern accent), ‘I’m gutted’. “She can’t come because she’s doing a charity thing down in London. “I love Kerry though. We are still very good friends.” And Pete, who has ordered a 20kg turkey in preparation for Christmas at his home with family and friends, had this special message for Guardian readers: “I am really happy to be here for the second time. “I came up here once before and did a gig here and the crowds are amazing. “You’ve all turned out to see me and not only to see me but to see the Christmas lights switched on and be part of the festive season. “I love you guys.”