X FACTOR sensation Diana Vickers is to help switch on the Christmas lights in London’s Oxford Street.

But bosses of the hit ITV1 talent show have said that Diana, from Accrington, will not be able to grant Hyndburn Council’s request for her to switch on her hometown’s festive lights display.

X Factor chiefs have placed a blanket ban on all contestants going home for Christmas appearances.

Instead, arrangements have been made for all the X Factor finalists to perform classic Christmas songs together at the Oxford Street light switch on, along with the girl band the Sugababes.

The production company which makes the X Factor, Talkback Thames, said the contestant’s schedules were so jam-packed, that arranging travel and individual publicity events for each finalist would simply take too much time.

This year contestants will join a glittering celebrity bash to take place at Oxford Street in London’s West End.

The tens of thousands of spectators who are expected to turn up, will also get to see the cast of Mamma Mia! performing songs from the smash hit musical.

The Westholme pupil’s mum Ann Vickers said: “I know that Diana would absolutely love to switch on Accrington’s Christmas lights, and that she would be happy to as soon as she free to do it.

“At the moment though, she is contracted to the X Factor and they are making all the arrangements for her.”

Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Coun Pete Britliffe said: “It is a real disappointment for us, but we are really pleased that Diana is taking part in the Oxford Street celebrations.

“Who knows what will happen in the future? There is always next year and we wish Diana the very best.

“We could be welcoming the winner of X Factor to turn on our Christmas lights for 2009 and that would be quite something.

“We did hope X Factor would release Diana from her contract, but as it’s not to be, we can still support her while the competition is ongoing.”

A spokeswoman for X Factor said: “Unfortunately, due to the heavy work schedule with The X Factor, neither Diana Vickers or any of the other finalists are able to attend any local Christmas lights switch-on this year.”