Turn on the Christmas lights? Fur-get it, says Liz (but Patsy doesn’t)

Patsy Kensit saved the night when she stood in for Liz Hurley at a Christmas lights switch-on.

Pat(sy) on the back: Kensit turning on the fairy lights in the arcade

The Holby City actress, 40, travelled straight from work at Elstree Studios to the Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly last night as a favour to Hurley, a close friend.

Hurley, 41, who recently modelled mink for a US fur company, was to be the main attraction at the charity event, but pulled out at the last minute, fearing a clash with Peta animal rights protesters.

The initial plan had been for her to arrive wearing white fur in a sledge drawn by huskies. But even when organisers suggested a more low-key arrival by limo she declined.

A guest at the event said: "There were security complications because of Peta. Patsy Kensit was very nice when she showed up, and looked lovely."

A spokeswoman for the Burlington Arcade said: "Liz Hurley could not make it because of personal reasons, but to give her her due, she immediately rang Patsy Kensit, who is a close friend, to replace her. Patsy was a trouper."