Express & Star

Hundreds hit Stourbridge streets as Corrie star turns on Christmas lights

[gallery]Hundreds of fans jostled for a glimpse of Coronation Street bad boy Jack P Shepherd as he helped to switch on Stourbridge's Christmas lights last night.

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The 28-year-old joined the Mayor of Dudley Councillor Mohammed Hanif to light up the town in the finale of a day of entertainment.

Before the switch-on Jack had hosted a 'meet and greet' session at Chicago's where 300 fans flocked to have their photograph taken with the star, which he described as 'amazing'.

Among those clamouring for the chance to meet Jack was Katie Melvin, aged 52, from Stourbridge, who said: "I watch Coronation Street all the time so it was great to meet Jack - I'm a big fan."

The town was a hive of activity with market stalls lining the High Street and fairground rides for children in Market Street.

There was also an array of entertainment on the stage outside the Crown Centre including performances by Startime Variety and Stourbridge Dance Company.

In the Ryemarket Shopping Centre youngsters had the chance to meet Santa and there were more stalls to browse.

Jack, who plays loveable rogue David Platt, said the soap's cast was about to spend two weeks filming episodes which will air over the festive period.

"There's going to plenty of drama, there always is with the Platts, and to be honest it wouldn't be Christmas on Coronation Street if everybody was getting on and being nice to each other would it?" he said.

In Weatherfield, his character is coming to terms with the loss of his wife Kylie and Jack gave an insight into what it's like filming those heart-wrenching scenes, saying: "For three weeks I was just crying and after 12 hours a day it can feel quite depressing.

"When they say cut, you feel the loss of someone who has died - but no one has died."

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