Estate agent asks Gollum (Andy Serkis) to switch on Highgate's Christmas lights

Published: 18th November, 2010
by TOM FOOT

HE is a man of many parts: from Tolkein’s Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, the mighty King Kong in the Peter Jackson smash hit, to Captain Haddock in Steven Spielberg’s eagerly anticipated Tintin film to be released next year.

But when acting sensation and Oscar nominee Andy Serkis walked into a north London estate agents he was offered a role he couldn’t refuse – a once-in-a-lifetime chance to switch on Highgate’s festive lights this Christmas.

Estate agent Chris Underhill, of Prickett and Ellis Underhill in Highgate High Street, is organising the big switch-on, which takes place on November 26, 

He said: “Andy just came walking into the office and, of course, I recognised him instantly because I’m a massive Lord of the Rings fan. So I just asked him straight out. He was charming and seemed genuinely excited to be doing it – he lives in Crouch End so Highgate’s his patch. It’s quite humbling when you think he’s a proper A-lister who’s gone to the Oscars and been on the red carpet.”

He added: “Over the years, I’ve dealt with Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, Annie Lennox, Sting and people like that. He’s not quite as recognisable on the street, but when you think who he’s worked with – blimey!”

Mr Serkis has appeared in more than 40 feature films – recently playing Ian Dury in Sex and Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll.

Highgate Society member Mr Underhill admitted he was teased at school because the hobbit Frodo’s pseudonym was “Mr Underhill”. “People used to call me a hobbit,” he said.

Mr Serkis may have completed the ultimate journey in The Lord of the Rings epic trilogy – but his quest for a home continues. Mr Underhill said: “We haven’t been able to find him one yet – but I’m sure it will come up. He just wants a lovely home, nothing too flashy – he doesn’t want to show off his money. Just a sensible home for his wife and kids.”

Camden Council has refused to fund the switch-on this year, leaving traders to foot the bill with donations.

Mr Underhill added: “We still need a couple of thousand to get it sorted so all donations are welcome.”

• On the other side of the Heath, former Arsenal footballer Robert Pires will switch on the lights in Hampstead, alongside TV star Jonathan Ross, on November 28.

• Katy B – whose two-step garage hit Katy On A Mission soared to number five in the charts – will wow the crowds at the big Camden High Street switch-on on Sunday.

• Lemar is the man to do the honours at the Brunswick Centre. He appears next Friday at 5pm.