LIGHTING UP LONDON by Stuart Thomas, Editor

If you've got lights on a timeswitch in your house, you'll know that - as the nights draw in - you need to keep changing that timeswitch to make sure you don't end up in the dark.
Well, it's the same for St Paul's Cathedral.
Every year in mid-October I ring up the good people at the Corporation of London and remind them that it's getting darker earlier, and that London Tonight viewers can't see St Pauls.
If you've watched the programme in the last couple of nights, you'll know it's now very dark by about 6.15pm - and you can't see much behind our presenters. In fact it's pitch black. Well, I've made the call. Now we wait.. and if you know anyone with a very bright torch, drop me a line.

London Tonight: Tuesday 24th October

Good afternoon from all in the London Tonight newsroom!

Tamzin is being her normal, brilliant and flexible self: she's been out talking to the stars of Dirty Dancing which curtains-up this evening in the West End AND she is joining Alastair in the hot seat for what is looking like a great show.

Remember FAREPAK, the savings club which went broke despite tons of people having put their cash into it hoping for a bumper hamper for Christmas? Well, we've found a street full of people who are staring a gloomy Christmas in the eye because their money is gone and their hamper isn't coming. Well we have their story and some really good news: a "give-away" just for them and other victims of the FAREPAK collapse. We haven't got hampers but we've got something else to bring a smile to lots of faces this half-term: but you've got to be a victim and you've got to be watching at 6 to take part!

James Whale, another shock-jock and ranting 'paper columnist says he's the man to be London's next Mayor... in UPIK colours. See if he takes your fancy when we talk to him live at 6.

We've had ponies in the park and riding lessons in the shadow of the Hammersmith flyover: now, and much to Alastair's delight, we bring you the real Ferraris of the horsey world: not a feast of flat racing but the beautiful prancing horses of Austria's Spanish School of Riding: a joy to behold! Marcus has put his jodhpurs and riding hat on just for you!

Couldn't persuade Chrissie to don the same attire but she'll look the belle of the ball anyway as she brings you her weather at the end of the show.

That and all the news, in and around the capital, just for you!

See you at 6.

A & T