CHRISTMAS has come early for a ‘super fan’ of boy band JLS who won the chance to meet one of her idols at the Metrocentre.
JLS band member-turned-solo artist Oritsé led the Christmas lights switch-on at the Gateshead shopping centre.
He surprised 19-year-old Lydia Waddleton from Stockton with a personal meet-and-greet and front row seats to his festive performance after she won a competition to meet him.
Ms Waddleton, a second year events management student at Manchester Metropolitan University, rushed back to the North-East as soon as she heard the news.
Lydia said: “I entered the Metrocentre competition last minute, so I was really surprised when I got the message to say that I’d won.
“Being able to meet Oritsé was a childhood dream come true.”
Oritsé was joined by Olympic gymnastics medallist Amy Tinkler from Bishop Auckland and Metro Radio’s Dan Moylan at the lights switch-on.
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