Jake, whose saucy storylines as Max Branning have made him one of TV's hottest stars, flicked the switch at 7pm.

Last night hundreds of townsfolk crammed in to County Mall eagerly awaiting one British TV's baddest boys.

While they waited families were entertained by giant stilt-walking Christmas trees and carol singers in period dress.

As the clock ticked towards Jake's arrival Mercury FM DJ Chris Oxlade threw on some Christmas tunes and bantered with fans.

Then Jake was spotted descending the escalator by an eagle-eyed Eastenders fan and the huge crowd went beserk.

Cockney bad boy Jake teased soap fans with hints about his upcoming storylines but in true Enders style left everyone with a cliff hanger.

Did you miss Jake? Or were you there and just want to re-live the moment? Catch him on our video just click the green button.