‘Merry Crispmas’: Gary Lineker celebrates 30th year with Walkers in Santa-style at Battersea Power Station

Gary Lineker surprised members of the public on Thursday evening by driving a Walkers crisp-packed sleigh around Battersea Power Station, dressed as ‘Father Crispmas’, to mark his 30th year with the brand.

What’s more, after famously refusing to share his crisps in Walkers adverts for the past three decades, with everyone from the Spice Girls to Mariah Carey, the former footballer was clearly feeling in the festive spirit, as he shocked onlookers by jumping out of the sleigh and sharing his crisps with members of the public.

Driving a red and gold Walkers-branded sleigh, Gary shocked onlookers by jumping out and signing footballs for young fans too.

Opting for a modern twist on the classic ‘Santa’ red suit, the former footballer and pundit was dressed in a specially designed suit.

He said: “It’s hard to believe that I’ve spent almost half my life working with Walkers, so we definitely felt we needed to kick off our 30th year with something memorable. And in three decades of Christmas, Walkers has now finally persuaded me to dress like this, and transform into ‘Father Crispmas!’.

“I’ve worked with some amazing people on the many campaigns I’ve done with Walkers over the years, but if I was finally going to agree to share my crisps with anyone, there was only one option for who it could be – it had to be the great British public… but only because it’s Christmas!’’

Pictured top: Gary Lineker in the Walkers themed Santa sled outside Battersea Power Station (Picture: PA)