REALITY TV stars have kicked off the festive season in Yate.

James Argent, from The Only Way Is Essex, and The X Factor’s Johnny Robinson appeared in front of hundreds of screaming fans to turn the town’s Christmas lights on.

James, known as Arg on the hit series TOWIE, looked dapper in a jumper and tie as he performed four old school songs including Dean Martin’s Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes and the classic That’s Life.

Schoolgirls were deafening when James ventured off stage to meet fans and have his picture taken with a lucky few.

After his performance, Yate Talent Show winner Lee Beaumont sang several opera numbers and earlier Andy Scott Lee, brother of Steps singer Lisa, entertained the assembled crowds on a specially-made stage in Four Seasons Square.

Then, after excitedly waving from a window above the square for the past hour, X Factor finalist Johnny Robinson made his way to the stage.

Johnny, who exited the ITV show in a double elimination on Sunday, November 6, seemed thrilled with the wild reception he received.

The camp singer thanked the public for supporting him on The X Factor before performing a selection of hits he sang during his time on the show including Can’t Get You Out Of My Head by Kylie Mingoue and Amy Winehouse’s Love Is a Losing Game.

Afterwards, he tweeted: "Thank you to everyone that came to Yate Shopping Centre what a fantastic people you all are hugs xxxx"

Johnny and James then joined Yate Shopping Centre manager Andrew Lowrey on stage to turn on the Christmas lights.

More pictures to follow.