Rihanna ‘to earn £5m for London appearance’

Rihanna has reportedly been offered £5 million to switch on the Christmas lights at a London shopping centre.

The Bajan singer is set to flick the festive switch at Westfield in Stratford, which is close to the London Olympic Park.

Two years ago the Diamonds singer lit up Westfield in Shepherd's Bush, West London, and now she is pleased to have another opportunity.

"Rihanna's thrilled she has been asked again. She knows it's a big deal and is totally up for it — if it fits in with her schedule," a source told British newspaper The Sun.

"Westfield have had a great year due to the Olympics and want to fork out to celebrate. Even though the final contract is still being thrashed out, they're prepared to pay up to £5 million for her. Organisers are expecting around 20,000 people to swamp the park. The Spice Girls were also discussed but Rihanna came out as the artist of choice."

Last year teenage heartthrob Justin Bieber did the honours at both Westfield centres.

The tradition is a great way to attract customers and boost the festive spirit of Christmas shoppers.

"The Christmas light switch-on at Westfield Stratford City is one of the highlights of the festive calendar. This year we want to thank our loyal shoppers by giving them something they'll never forget," Myf Ryan, general manager for marketing at Westfield Stratford, explained.