Andy Serkis and Lorraine Ashworth switch on Highgate lights

Lord of the Rings and Marvel ace Andy Serkis and BBC's Sherwood and Alma's Not Normal actor Lorraine Ashworth turned on the lights at an event on Thursday afternoon hosted by television presenter Alex Zane.

There were whoops from the crowd as Serkis was prodded by his partner Ashworth to do his Gollum voice from the Hollywood blockbuster.

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With a sinister high pitch, he said: "Maybe I will, maybe I b***** well won't."

Alex Zane, Andy Serkis and Lorraine Ashworth were guests of honour at the Highgate Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

Asked by Zane what their three favourite things about Christmas were, Ashworth said: "The three F's... Fizz, food and film."

Serkis, with whom she shares three children, responded: "What about family?"

Speaking to the Ham & High earlier, Alex Zane, who had that week hosted the Gladiator's II premiere, said he has hosted the Highgate switch on for six years.

"This is the big one," he said. "In many ways the royal premiere of Gladiators was a dry run, I've saved the best bits for tonight."

Brothers and fellow actors Sonny and Louis Ashbourne Serkis supported their parents at the Christmas lights switch-on in Highgate (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

Serkis said: "It's an honour to switch on the lights. It's lovely to be part of the community spirit and actively taking part in something villagey."

Ashworth added: "We love it, 10 years ago when we moved to the area I remember saying we wanted to live in Highgate and could never afford it. We lived in Crouch End very happily but it was a real moment because we love the heath, Highgate is a gorgeous village and we love it. It's nice to be part of community life."

Two brass bands played either side of the switch-on and visitors enjoy mulled wine outside The Angel pub as well as food from a churros van and offerings from Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen, Bar & Garden in Highgate High Street.

The lights, which cost between £17,000 and 20,000, were supported by Haringey Council, estate agent Prickett & Ellis, Winkworths and Taylor Gibbs, and Highgate Dental Practice and Channing and Highgate Schools.

The cash injection allowed lights in Highgate High Street, in Pond Square, and near the Chapel at Highgate.

The event, organised by Highgate Festive Events, was sponsored by developer Riverstone Living, which is building retirement homes in Bishops Avenue.

Chris Underhill, of estate agent Prickett & Ellis, is part of Highgate Festive Events and has supported the event for 25 years. He said: "Riverstone absolutely bailed us out, which allowed us a bigger show."