Nic Cage turns on Bath Xmas lights

Nicolas Cage returned to his spiritual home, Bath, to turn on the town's Christmas lights. Also in attendance: Toby Anstis, Father Christmas.

One of the many things I love about Nicolas Cage - apart from the fact he has a tattoo of a lizard in a top hat, owns a castle in Etzelwang, called his son Kal-El and stalked Patricia Arquette into marrying him - is his love of Dickensian England. Anyone who's heard his British accent in National Treasure 2 knows he's studied the period well.

A while back, he bought a castle in Bath, as one does. As such, he's become the region's best ever local celebrity. In your face, Jane Austin! Cage was delighted to be asked to turn on the town's Christmas lights, not only because he loves tradition, but because he's probably dead broke as well.

Sadly, there were no hiccups in proceedings - anyone hoping that the giant plunger rigged to set off the lights would have been tampered with by charismatic terrorists hoping to hold the town's Mayor to ransom will have gone home disappointed.

Take a look at our gallery of the night's proceedings by clicking the picture below. Happy Cage-mas everybody!