IT was a dream come true for a Quarry Bank teenager when she switched on Merry Hill’s Christmas lights with Aussie heart-throb Peter Andre.

Natalie Owen, aged 18, from Calewood Road, had been waiting at the shopping centre since 9am, in a beat the crowds for a chance of getting closer to her idol.

Other lucky lady Emily Hampshire, aged 21 from Dudley was also plucked from the crowd for a brief meeting with the star, just because she was wearing a Peter Andre t.shirt.

The two girls were just two out of over two thousands loyal fans, who flocked to the centre to get a glimpse of the singer, who re-found fame after appearing in reality TV show I’m a Celebrity - Get me Out of Here and marrying glamour model Jordan- Katie Price.

Peter arrived on stage singing a cover of “Sign your Name Across my Heart and Killer” mix and his most famous song “Mysterious Girl”.

The Aussie star then went on to chat to the crowd, before picking out Natalie to help switch on this year’s lights displays.

Speaking after the switch- on, star struck Natalie, said: “I’m still shaking, it was great it was a dream come true.”

Peter told his adoring fans he was overwhelmed and blown away by their support.

He said: “I have never been here before but the response I have got I will definitely come back.

“I will be signing books so I can start giving something back to the people as they have done a lot for me.”

Crowd pleasing Peter hung round for over 40 minutes to sign autographs for fans who had been queuing for hours for the chance to meet him.

The star plans to spend Christmas with his wife and family, before preparing for a busy 2009 with a new series of Kate and Peter show out in April, a new album and possibly a tour.

Merry Hill spokesperson Kelly Reed said: “Since his legendary appearance on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Peter Andre has enjoyed a huge resurgence in popularity – so we’re thrilled to bits that he’s come all the way to Merry Hill to help us kick off the festive season in style.”

To see pictures of Peter switching on the lights Click here