0:00:01 > 0:00:03It's the most famous shopping street in the world,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06in the heart of Britain's capital city.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11A mile and a half long, with 30 million visitors each year.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13With some of the world's most famous shops...
0:00:13 > 0:00:15CHEERING
0:00:15 > 0:00:17- ..biggest stars...- Kate Moss! - CHEERING
0:00:17 > 0:00:19..and busiest stations.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Sorry, guys! Stand back for me.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24What does it take to keep it running, 24 hours a day...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27It's the busiest street in the world, so it needs constant attention.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29..seven days a week?
0:00:29 > 0:00:30Oi! Clear off.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Welcome to Oxford Street. Welcome to the pickpocket team.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36'Are you ready, London?'
0:00:36 > 0:00:38A street that never sleeps.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40This sort of thing wouldn't happen anywhere else.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Oxford Street.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- Coming up... - Christmas here, everybody!
0:00:48 > 0:00:50CHEERING
0:00:50 > 0:00:54It's switch-on the time for the street's Christmas lights.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- I have to make my stage work, I'm sorry.- OK, all right.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01If the team can get everything set up in time for Cheryl.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02- CROWD CHEERS - Cheryl!
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Ten, nine...
0:01:04 > 0:01:05I'm losing them.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07The police are on the trail of suspected shoplifters...
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Turn around. You've come to Oxford Street to steal,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13we will deal with you. You understand?
0:01:13 > 0:01:16And tastes clash, personal shopping.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- Oh, my God. I love it! - Good!
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- It doesn't suit you at all. - Yep.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28No-one wishes it could be Christmas every day more than Oxford Street.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33Over 12% of shops' annual sales are made in the festive period.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36And to make sure people choose Oxford Street for
0:01:36 > 0:01:38their Christmas shopping, for the last 55 years,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42the Street has invested in a world-famous light display.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45It's a big deal for the street.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48This year, 10,000 people are expected to watch live
0:01:48 > 0:01:51as 1,500 illuminated globes
0:01:51 > 0:01:53and three quarters of a million LEDs are lit up
0:01:53 > 0:01:58by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, as part of a huge switch-on show.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05Making sure the stage is set for Cheryl is the job of Dean Parker.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Right, I've got a coffee now, I'm a bit more woken up.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11But there won't be a show without a stage.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14And as dawn breaks on the most important day of the street's year,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16it's Dean's job to build it.
0:02:17 > 0:02:23The problem we have is that this ice cream unit here is in the way.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27The last time it was moved, someone moved it with a forklift truck
0:02:27 > 0:02:28and they damaged it.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32And as a result, it can no longer be moved, otherwise it will fall apart.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37So, unfortunately, we have to build around this.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40And this splendid structure is going to be within our stage.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Which is something of a challenge.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Getting the stage built takes a generous helpings of manpower.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Chuck it over the top and it will be a "U" outwards and then...
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- Pull it from the back, up. - Yeah, we're going down this way.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01Stay close to the stage, Dez.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03That needs to go that way.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04Whoa, whoa, whoa!
0:03:04 > 0:03:06There's three or four on the stage.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- Right, go on, other way. - HE GRUNTS
0:03:12 > 0:03:16That was heavy. That was VERY heavy!
0:03:16 > 0:03:18It's up now, and that's a huge weight off my mind.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24The stage will host an hour-long switch-on show.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27This year, it includes five music acts, a talent show winner,
0:03:27 > 0:03:31the live unveiling of sponsor John Lewis's TV ad,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33and at the end of it all, Cheryl.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37And at Christmas, fans come from far and wide to follow their star.
0:03:38 > 0:03:44I am excited to see Cheryl. On a scale of one to ten, I'm about a 12.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47We've travelled all the way from Wales today, I'm quite excited,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- but she is like, overly... - I'm that excited I want to die!
0:03:51 > 0:03:54So beautiful. I love her so much.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56I'll probably start crying if I go into it.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01To make sure everything's in place for their idol,
0:04:01 > 0:04:05Dean and his team finish off fitting out the stage.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08You'd never know there's an ice cream stand underneath it all.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Two-two, hey-hey, head-tail one.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Overseeing the show itself is producer, Jo Dakin.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18What I want to do is work out this area here.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20So shall we just have a nose at the stage?
0:04:22 > 0:04:24It's much more shallow than I expected.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I mean, it's...it's a tight squeeze, isn't it?
0:04:27 > 0:04:31Unusually for an event of this scale, there's no rehearsal,
0:04:31 > 0:04:32adding to the pressure on Jo.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Right, what we need really urgently from the presenters
0:04:37 > 0:04:39once they arrive is what they're going to say.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Around half a million people will watch the switch-on for a live
0:04:42 > 0:04:46link to the local news, which Jo will coordinate.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52We're meant to go live to London Tonight at 6:17.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55So I will definitely feel the pressure then.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57In addition to Cheryl and the music acts,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00there'll be a less well-known performer on the stage tonight.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04The street's Retail Association has run a talent competition
0:05:04 > 0:05:05for a new face to appear.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09It's been won by a local girl, 16-year-old Lauren Mae Kidd.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12SHE SINGS
0:05:12 > 0:05:14As she's never done anything like this before,
0:05:14 > 0:05:18Jo's allowing Lauren a quick rehearsal.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20We haven't given anybody else a sound check at all,
0:05:20 > 0:05:24but we wanted her to feel she could have a microphone in her hand
0:05:24 > 0:05:26and actually find out what she sounded like,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29so she had confidence when she actually came on.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Lauren's nervous, and not just because
0:05:31 > 0:05:33she thinks this could be her big break.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36It's also a street that means a lot to her.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38It's actually really crazy, because Oxford Street
0:05:38 > 0:05:40is one of the main streets where I shop.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43And I've always been here, walking up and down and past
0:05:43 > 0:05:45when I was a little girl and I just...loved it.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47So it's crazy to perform in Oxford Street!
0:05:47 > 0:05:51And her grandparents have come to see her, too.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- She's very good.- Very good.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Well, we think so! THEY LAUGH
0:05:57 > 0:06:00But Lauren isn't the only one making a stage debut tonight.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04The all-important switch-on device is also unveiled.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06OK. It's all about this button.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08On. Off.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12But before any buttons can get pushed,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14there's still a load of preparations to be done.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18Dean's entering what he calls "the mad hour".
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Still live traffic, still live traffic!
0:06:23 > 0:06:25Yeah, mad hour.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Haven't yet got the road... The closure's gone in,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30but there's still traffic, they're still using taxis and buses,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32not a lot, but enough to make it tricky.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Tree branches and even the traffic lights are removed to improve views.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40The road is closed to traffic and a crowd area cordoned off.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42No, only the branded one!
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Watch these crowds when we try and tape it off now. You'll be amazed.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48They'll be ducking and diving, jumping over it,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50leaping over it, limbo-ing under it.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52And then...everything's ready.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Later in the programme, wires get crossed at the light show,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00as the team get ready for the big moment.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03If this doesn't run at the right time, I'm really sorry, I have to...
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- ...sort it out in a second. - No, you won't.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Some officers on the Metropolitan Police's pickpocketing squad
0:07:15 > 0:07:17live to catch thieves.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Sergeant Steve Stamp is one of them.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Operation Blizzard, we all know what that means.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25We're now in the peak period for the type of offences
0:07:25 > 0:07:27we're dealing with on a daily basis.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29He heads up the West End team
0:07:29 > 0:07:31and his powers of detection are legendary.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35He can spot the giveaway signs and catching crooks is what
0:07:35 > 0:07:38gets him out of bed on a cold and rainy weekend morning.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42It's a total war on crime.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45We're out there every day on Oxford Street. We're out there
0:07:45 > 0:07:48catching bag thieves, we're out there catching pickpockets,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50we're catching bogus police officers,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52we're catching the lot of them.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54And no matter what the weather is doing,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58Sergeant Stamp and his fellow officers are patrolling their beat
0:07:58 > 0:08:00looking for pickpockets and shoplifters.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Oxford Street, Christmas period.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09The streets are already starting to swell up.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11It's all about a cat-and-mouse today.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Not only are we up against the criminals, the thieves,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17we're also up against the weather conditions.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Today, they've been patrolling Oxford Street.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22But so far, found nothing.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24But on neighbouring Regent Street,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Steve suddenly spots what he's looking for.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30This group has aroused his attention.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Right there. Literally, the four guys right there.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35He's asking them to do something, he's shaking his head.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38He's also got an empty carrier bag, which will be foil-lined,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40all right, so they're out to steal.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Most police officers wouldn't have spotted anything amiss
0:08:43 > 0:08:47with these lads, but Steve is an experienced spotter
0:08:47 > 0:08:50and he believes they could be shoplifters.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53It's not an easy call, as all four of them are young.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56They've got a sort of older male who is actually telling
0:08:56 > 0:09:01and showing one of these juveniles how to actually steal.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06Um... We're going to follow them and see what they do.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07Game time.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10The man holding the black bag and the youths next to him
0:09:10 > 0:09:12are Steve's suspects.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14They haven't realised that the street's thief taker is just
0:09:14 > 0:09:17a footstep behind them.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19He's telling him how to hold the bag.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21He's telling him what stores to go to.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23He's trying to gee him up to do it.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25The gang have turned around.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Steve's prepared for that, though, and pretends he's browsing.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31He's soon back after the suspects.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Right, come on.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37He's right behind them as they walk into a store,
0:09:37 > 0:09:41giving Steve a window to call in other officers from the team.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46Now, we can either go with them and watch them steal...
0:09:48 > 0:09:51..or we can hang back, wait till they come out and nab them.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Store security knows Sergeant Stamp on sight.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56And they know that with him on the case,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00the chances the store will get robbed are now tiny.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Three youngsters, one male. They've got a black bag they're carrying.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05There's one.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08You can see it's important that we liaise with security staff,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10it saves us getting blown, we get the cameras on it.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Modern technology does the job for us.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- All right. Do you think they've got the goods?- I think so.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18All right, what I'm going to do is, if you print this up,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- I'll follow them. Don't stop them, - all right? OK.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21I will stop them further on, all right.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24The one with the bag will definitely be getting stopped.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- You'll have your goods.- All right, thank you.- All right.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30With an arrest likely, Steve lets the rest of the team
0:10:30 > 0:10:33know where he wants them to be.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35I think they've done a job, I need you now.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Steve's right behind the boy with the black bag
0:10:38 > 0:10:40when he and his friends rush across the road.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45Steve does his best to catch up.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46BLEEP
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Having told the store security that he would get any goods back,
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Steve might be about to be embarrassed.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54I'm losing them.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56The four suspects have been lost from the sight
0:10:56 > 0:10:58in the rain and the crowds.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59If Steve can't find them soon,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02then anything they've stolen is long gone.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07Later in the programme, Steve tracks down the gang of four
0:11:07 > 0:11:10and the search turns up more than he bargained for.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Turn around!
0:11:12 > 0:11:13Look at that, what's that for.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Why're you on a tag?
0:11:15 > 0:11:16- Is it for stealing?- No!
0:11:24 > 0:11:26In less than an hour's time,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Oxford Street will host the biggest event of its year,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32the Christmas light switch-on, featuring a crowd of thousands,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35five musical acts, a talent show star
0:11:35 > 0:11:39and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini pressing the button.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41ALL: Whoo!
0:11:42 > 0:11:45With the road closed and everything ready,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48the hordes of Cheryl fans are allowed to descend on the arena.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52OK, we're ready down there.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Dean to Jo, we're letting them in, over.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Slowly, slowly don't push, don't crush.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Jo to Louise, the audience are in.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01Cheryl!
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Backstage, Jo runs through things with her team.- OK, what...
0:12:07 > 0:12:10I need them down by...now.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13I'm relying on you to have everybody backstage when I said.
0:12:13 > 0:12:19Meanwhile, show presenters Dave Berry and Lisa Snowdon have arrived.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21It's always an honour to be asked to switch on the lights
0:12:21 > 0:12:24and this is like a massive one, being down at Oxford Street.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26We've got some amazing people performing...
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- But Cheryl will be there, she's going to handle it all.- Yeah.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Because I reckon she can count AND push at the same time.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Mmm, quite possibly.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Seven minutes to show, ladies and gentlemen.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37CROWD CHEERS
0:12:37 > 0:12:41You are going to say when it's time to go, the countdown clock.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- All right?- Leave it to us.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45CROWD CHEERS
0:12:45 > 0:12:47RADIO: "Dave Berry and Lisa Snowdon..."
0:12:47 > 0:12:51The hosts take to the stage and warm up the crowd.
0:12:51 > 0:12:52Who loves Christmas?
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- CHEERING - Good, good.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57So, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, let's get
0:12:57 > 0:13:01the show started in style, and here's the one, the only, Rixton!
0:13:01 > 0:13:03# Shot gun, aimed at my heart
0:13:03 > 0:13:04# You got one... #
0:13:04 > 0:13:07With Rixton's set underway, the show's off and running.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11Backstage, someone from the local news programme has arrived to
0:13:11 > 0:13:13discuss the live link-up with Jo.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- For the 17-past...- Yeah...- ..we aim to go for the switch.- Yeah.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- No later, if we can.- No.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25Waiting in the wings for her cue, is 16-year-old Lauren Mae Kidd,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27and the butterflies are kicking in.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Guys, she's been selected from thousands of entries
0:13:30 > 0:13:33to come perform for you all tonight. CHEERING
0:13:33 > 0:13:34My throat's going all dry!
0:13:34 > 0:13:38And backstage waiting for another key event is presenter, Dave.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Sponsor John Lewis will be
0:13:40 > 0:13:42unveiling its Christmas television ad.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44And he'll have to cue the big moment.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46I need some words.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- What will you do, what will you say? - Um...
0:13:49 > 0:13:52But Dave has got to go and do a link-up for his radio show.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Look, OK. W-what, hang on a minute. So, you...
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I'm really sorry, I have to go and do this for my radio show.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Well, if this doesn't run at the right time... I'm really sorry,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- I have to...- We'll sort it in a second...- No, you won't, because...
0:14:03 > 0:14:06You absolutely won't, because I have to make my stage work, I'm sorry.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- All right, OK.- Excuse me... - Please, it's fine. Relax.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11I'm sorry, I have to make it work.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- I'll say, "Let's roll the ad", that'll be the cue.- Thank you.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16It's OK, no problem.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Right, the cue is, "Let's roll the ad."
0:14:19 > 0:14:20I do have to be the boss.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Fundamentally, if I don't know what cue they're going to give in to
0:14:24 > 0:14:27something, the whole thing just sort of tumbles down, really.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31So it's really, really important and if we don't know beforehand,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33you know, we've got... We're guessing.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37And at the moment, I just want to make sure we're on the nail.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39When we come back, Dave cues.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Let's roll the ad!
0:14:41 > 0:14:43LAUREN SINGS
0:14:43 > 0:14:46'Lauren Mae Kidd!'
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- Hi!- And Cheryl gets ready to push.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50ALL: Nine, eight, seven...
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Oxford Street likes to think of itself as being at the
0:15:03 > 0:15:05cutting edge of retail.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07And at the moment, there's one key trend
0:15:07 > 0:15:09that's taking the street by storm.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Personal shopping.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17It used to be the preserve of the rich and famous,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20an expensive service you had to pay for. But not any more.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25An increasing number of stores now offer anyone the chance to
0:15:25 > 0:15:29book an appointment with a stylist, free of charge,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32who will use their expertise to come up with clothing ideas.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Firmly on the personal shopping bandwagon is Debenhams.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Alain Mehada runs the personal shopping team
0:15:42 > 0:15:45at their Oxford Street store.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47OK!
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Alain isn't on commission.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53But for the store to be able to offer his services free of charge,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57he's got to make sales, which means picking clothes his clients like.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02I love people, I like to change people,
0:16:02 > 0:16:07I like to change them from distressed shopper to a happy shopper.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Alain's first client, business development manager, Wendy, has arrived.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17My boyfriend's been suggesting that I do something like this for quite
0:16:17 > 0:16:20a while, because I seem to have just, I don't know,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23lost my confidence or... In the...
0:16:23 > 0:16:26In terms of how I look or what I should be wearing and what
0:16:26 > 0:16:27I feel comfortable in, what looks good.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Hello! Is that Wendy?
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Yes, it is, hi.- Nice to see you.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I will warn you, I've been shopping and come back empty-handed
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- many times before, so no pressure. - SHE LAUGHS
0:16:36 > 0:16:40No problem, I've been hearing this for a long time.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42And then it's on to the first outfit.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Can he make her day and make himself a sale?
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Let's go for something different.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- This and that.- I would never pick them up, but...
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Hurrah for that. The word I want to hear from my customers, OK?
0:16:56 > 0:16:57WENDY LAUGHS
0:16:57 > 0:17:00A few minutes later, and Wendy's ready for Alain.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- I really like this vibe.- Ah!
0:17:02 > 0:17:06It's very suave, very classic and to be honest with you,
0:17:06 > 0:17:10if I was a client, your client, I would be inspired by your look.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It looks like at least one sale for Alain.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15That is a bingo!
0:17:16 > 0:17:21While Wendy moves on to her next outfit, Alain's got more clients.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22Take a seat, darling.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Laura is a freelance screenwriter and mum.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- So, I'm a mother...- OK... - Er, but I still want to look fabulous.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- Of course.- Of course.- Yeah.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- Um, so, just things that I can probably lunge and squat in...- OK.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36SHE LAUGHS
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- But... And are comfortable...- Of course.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- ..yet with that edge of style and the..- Uh-hmm.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43A little bit... So I feel a bit special.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Student Julius is also here, with sister, Samira,
0:17:46 > 0:17:48for different reasons.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52He hates shopping, but his wardrobe needs a serious overhaul.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Shopping's not really something that I enjoy doing.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00So I actually could wear... Sort of get a whole outfit in one go.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03And Alain and Sylvan are soon swinging into action.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Things start well.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- Go for it, girl! LAUGHING:- Thank you.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- I like that.- Oh, you've got a good eye!- You think?
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- I can see why they employed you! - Yeah?
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- Wow!- That's cool.- That is more...
0:18:17 > 0:18:22But not all of Alain's picks are popular.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23Oh, my God! I love it!
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- I couldn't!- Why? - Because it's like a body condom!
0:18:27 > 0:18:28My God, you look stunning.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31I feel a little bit more self-conscious in this one.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- The only thing I'm not sure about is the bowtie.- I'm not a huge fan.
0:18:34 > 0:18:35- It doesn't suit you, at all.- Yep.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40But Alain doesn't give up easily.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43He's got plenty more outfits planned.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Wow! Let's see. Wow!
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Samira, what do you think? - Definitely.- Yeah.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- He sees a different Wendy. - Like a different person completely!
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Yes. He will say, "Hello-oh!" WENDY LAUGHS
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- SYLVAN:- Where have you been...- Yes! - ..all my life?
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Who is this guy who changed your look?
0:19:01 > 0:19:04You've been "Gokked"!
0:19:04 > 0:19:08And Wendy isn't the only one who Alain has had a big effect on.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13I feel like... Alain's changed my view on how to dress.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Tighten the waist in, get a chunky thing around the neck,
0:19:16 > 0:19:17you're looking fabulous.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20I feel like...I'm going to be a different person
0:19:20 > 0:19:21when I go into work tomorrow.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Bravo! Thank you so much.- Yeah. Thank you very, very much.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26I'll see you again, OK?
0:19:26 > 0:19:30Although it's a free service, there is a bottom line for Alain and his team.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32And today, they've hit it.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34That's £329.50.
0:19:35 > 0:19:36OK.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Thank you so much. This is my card for next time, yeah?
0:19:40 > 0:19:41- Yeah, absolutely.- OK.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44I'm here to please my customer and make them happy,
0:19:44 > 0:19:50and I think that's the most important role to be a personal stylist.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55For Alain, it's just been an ordinary day at work.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57But he's part of a growing trend which is changing the way
0:19:57 > 0:19:59people shop for clothes.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05For his clients, it's been a little peek at what it's like to be,
0:20:05 > 0:20:07for one day at least, very far from ordinary.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Sgt Steve Stamp is in Piccadilly Circus.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22He's followed a group of youths from near Oxford Street
0:20:22 > 0:20:26and believes they've committed a theft in a store.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29In the rain and crowds, he thought he'd lost them.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35But a search finds them in another store, just as his backup arrives.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Stop! Keep going, keep going, keep going, keep going!
0:20:37 > 0:20:40They're going to see you, keep going.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Stop there, and get out of the van. They are all in there, all in there.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Let's take them out. All right.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50Steve decides it's time to bring the game of cat-and-mouse to a close.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Boys, police officers. All right. All you lot, come with me outside.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57They had no idea Sgt Stamp had been following them
0:20:57 > 0:21:01on their shopping trip. The three shorter boys look very young.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04MUFFLED VOICES
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Time to see what's in the bag.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09All right, now. Come and stand over here.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- Open up the bag for me.- Open it.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15The younger members of the group look worried, and no wonder,
0:21:15 > 0:21:19there are brand-new jeans in the bags, but no receipt for them.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Where did you get these from? You!
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Did you buy them? Course you didn't.
0:21:25 > 0:21:26Look at me.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Right, you're all under arrest. Conspiracy to steal.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34You don't have to say anything that might harm your defence,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37if you don't mention when questioned something that you may rely on in court.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Anything you do say may be given in evidence. You're all under arrest.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42It turns out the jeans have been stolen from
0:21:42 > 0:21:45an Oxford Street clothing store.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Teenagers shoplifting on Oxford Street is not a new problem,
0:21:48 > 0:21:52but one the police and stores take very seriously.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55The three younger boys are shocked into silence.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57The oldest one seems the most upset.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- HE SOBS - No point crying, mate.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Why're you crying?
0:22:02 > 0:22:05You come to Oxford Street to steal, we will deal with you.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08You understand? Cry all you want. I don't really care.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10HE SOBS LOUDLY
0:22:10 > 0:22:11Turn around.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14But Steve can't afford to be impressed by the boy's tears.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18And a search throws more suspicion onto him.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Look at that, what's that for.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Why're you on a tag? Is it for stealing?
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- No!- Why are you on a tag then?
0:22:24 > 0:22:26No, it's my cousin...
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- So, you're wearing your cousin's tag?- Yeah.- Oh, wow! I wish...
0:22:29 > 0:22:30What a great idea!
0:22:33 > 0:22:37You're going to steal, you're in trouble. Stand up.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38How about you?
0:22:38 > 0:22:42They probably woke up this morning thinking they were going to come out and steal.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45He thought he was going to teach his guys here how to steal.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47What happens? They all end up in cuffs. Welcome!
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Listen, welcome, welcome to Westminster.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53This is how we deal with thieves, whether you like it or not,
0:22:53 > 0:22:55you're under arrest. End of story.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Well, there you go. In you get!
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Next one! Little lad, get in there. There you go, Merry Christmas.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Job done.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10The young age of the boys makes it even more important for Steve
0:23:10 > 0:23:12to show them how seriously they take shoplifting.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16If found guilty, they'll be put in touch with youth offending teams
0:23:16 > 0:23:19in the hope they can change their ways before it's too late.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Zero tolerance means that these youngsters now know,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25"I can't steal, if I come to Westminster and steal,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27"I'm going to get caught, I'm going to get arrested,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29"I'm going to be thrown inside."
0:23:29 > 0:23:31That's what I'm trying to teach them now,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33I'm tried to show them the hard way.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36At the moment, we have a nice pair of jeans, skinny fit.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39They're not going to fit me, but they might fit one of them.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41I'm more concerned about the chappie there, the ringleader,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44with the tag on him. Yeah, he's crying like a baby.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47He knows he's in trouble. It's game over for him.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Santa won't be visiting him this year.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54It all adds up to a visit to the police station for these youngsters,
0:23:54 > 0:23:58miles away from the bright lights and shops on Oxford Street.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Three of the lads are very young, but Steve thinks catching
0:24:01 > 0:24:05the older lad may be potentially a very significant arrest.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10Now, what we have here is clearly somebody who was a thief,
0:24:10 > 0:24:14trying to teach others his sort of street craft, his skills.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17What's happened is, these kids,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20and they are kids, are learning how to steal at a very young age.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24We have managed today to put a stop to their criminality,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26thieving, at this time.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29And what it's going to do to them, is it's going to make them believe
0:24:29 > 0:24:31that if they steal, they will get caught,
0:24:31 > 0:24:36they will be arrested and they could end up in prison.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Since we filmed, no further action was taken against three of the boys.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43But the one caught holding the bag will receive a police reprimand
0:24:43 > 0:24:46for theft. He will also meet with the youth offending team.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49It turned out he was just 12 years old.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01CHEERING
0:25:01 > 0:25:03There's just 10 minutes to go
0:25:03 > 0:25:06until the switch-on of Oxford Street's Christmas lights.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08We're going to be live on Capital,
0:25:08 > 0:25:10we are going to be live around the world.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12With Cheryl Fernandez-Versini on her way,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16an audience of thousands gathered and a live television audience
0:25:16 > 0:25:20of half a million waiting to watch, the pressure's on.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22And feeling it more than anyone right now
0:25:22 > 0:25:27is 16-year-old talent competition winner, Lauren Mae Kidd.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30So please give a massive warm welcome,
0:25:30 > 0:25:35for the lovely Lauren Mae Kidd!
0:25:35 > 0:25:38CHEERING
0:25:38 > 0:25:45SHE SINGS
0:25:53 > 0:25:57CHEERING
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- Good girl! You did great. - Well done, didn't you do a good job!
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Mind yourself on the stairs, though.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05I actually... I-I've done it now.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09I thought I dealt with it quite well. I tried my best.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Stage producer's Jo's responsible for making sure
0:26:12 > 0:26:14everyone hits their cues.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Due to come off 58.30, they went on at 57.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20That includes the unveiling of the John Lewis ad and making sure
0:26:20 > 0:26:22the big switch-on happens in time
0:26:22 > 0:26:24for the news programme to show it live.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29It's just a case of making sure we give the mark at 18.17.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32But first, the commercial everybody's talking about.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34Dave does his bit.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37- It's so cute! - Let's roll the ad!
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Just then, the woman who can start Christmas arrives.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42And things swing into action.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44As soon as she goes out there, I think
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Christmas is going to kick off in earnest.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Christmas here, everybody!
0:26:51 > 0:26:53CHEERING DROWNS SPEECH
0:26:53 > 0:26:56It's Cheryl Fernandez-Versini!
0:26:56 > 0:26:59CHEERING
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Hi!
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Hello, everybody.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05CHEERING DROWNS SPEECH
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- OK!- Let's get the clock on and start the countdown!
0:27:13 > 0:27:17ALL: Ten, nine, eight, seven,
0:27:17 > 0:27:23six, five, four, three, two, one!
0:27:24 > 0:27:28CHEERING
0:27:28 > 0:27:30And Christmas comes to Oxford Street.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- Wow!- Merry Christmas!
0:27:35 > 0:27:36CHEERING
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Merry Christmas, everybody!
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- Thank you to Cheryl. - Thank you, everybody!
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- Thank you all, have a good night! - Thanks, everybody!
0:27:44 > 0:27:49Oh, my God! All of that for that tiny moment! It's crazy, isn't it?
0:27:49 > 0:27:52I mean, and then I think we went on 50 seconds early!
0:27:52 > 0:27:54I am now going to have a beer!
0:27:56 > 0:27:59The stage disappears and the ice-cream stand re-emerges.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05And with that, the most Christmassy street in the UK
0:28:05 > 0:28:07gets on with what it does best,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09spreading a little bit of Christmas cheer
0:28:09 > 0:28:11and selling an awful lot of presents.