X Factor's Matt Linnen will be appearing at Southend's Christmas light switch on this weekend.

The Southend vocalist will be presented at the Big Switch On, however, he will not be able to appear in person.

Matt will be performing at the live shows of ITV's X Factor on Saturday night when the seaside town's lights go on at 6pm. 

He will be welcoming the festive season by video link, introduced to the stage by his sister, Rachel Beauchamp, and her daughter, Daisy.

The event which is run by Southend Bid will see a host of acts from the seaside town performing at the main stage in Victoria Circus, a Christmas market filled with stalls as well as a firework display to end the night.

Among the acts will be Matt Linnen's stand in for the evening, Tracy Leanne Jefford, who will take to the stage at 5.35.

Alison Dewey, Southend Bid Manager, said: "I’m so excited, I can barely wait! What’s not to love about Christmas?

"Especially when there’s so much going on before you’ve opened a single present.

"We’ve really invested in bringing a variety of fun and engaging events, activities and experiences to the High Street and seafront in the run up to Christmas.

"Many of which are absolutely free to enjoy.

"In many ways, it’s the BID’s present to everyone and we’re inviting the whole of Southend to a massive party, the Big Switch On!”