He's famous for his roles in The Chase and Doctor Who, but Bradley Walsh still has fond memories of the town that kickstarted his career.

North Norfolk News: Bradley Walsh with glamorous grandmother winner Trudy Wright, 54, at Cromer Carnival 2019. Picture: Karen BethellBradley Walsh with glamorous grandmother winner Trudy Wright, 54, at Cromer Carnival 2019. Picture: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

And now, decades after the 59-year-old starred in the Cromer Pier Show, he returned to crown the Cromer Carnival queen for the event's 50th anniversary.

The popular presenter played up to a crowd of at least 1,000 gathered in front of the pier on Sunday, temporarily borrowing the civic chain of office and declaring himself mayor of the town.

Mr Walsh, who took part in Cromer carnivals from 1986-88, called it the "greatest place on the planet" and recalled how he'd stumble home from post-end-of-show drinks as the crab boats went out - or even later, as they came in.

He said: "They say seven days in Cromer makes one weak.

North Norfolk News: Bradley Walsh with glamorous grandmother winner Trudy Wright, 54, at Cromer Carnival 2019. Picture: Karen BethellBradley Walsh with glamorous grandmother winner Trudy Wright, 54, at Cromer Carnival 2019. Picture: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

"I'm proud and privileged to be part of its history. The last Cromer Carnival I did was 31 years ago but I still have a lot of friends here and I love this area."

Mr Walsh crowned this year's Miss Cromer, Jessica Foster, before meeting some of the many festival-goers.

Also present were 24 past Miss Cromers, gathered especially for the anniversary, including Angela Burton, nee Wilde, the earliest carnival queen there from 1971.

MORE: Everything you need to know about Cromer Carnival 2019Mrs Burton, 67, said: "It was a great honour to be Miss Cromer all those years ago. It's wonderful to be involved in so many functions and I've never had so many dresses to wear."

North Norfolk News: Bradley Walsh with glamorous grandmother winner Trudy Wright, 54, at Cromer Carnival 2019. Picture: Karen BethellBradley Walsh with glamorous grandmother winner Trudy Wright, 54, at Cromer Carnival 2019. Picture: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Jason Bell, who has been town crier for the past 35 years but is retiring next week, introduced the 'royal family' and mayor Richard Leeds thanked the event's many volunteers for their help.

Carnival committee chairman Tony Shipp made an appeal for new blood to help keep the popular event alive, saying: "Anniversaries are not just about looking backwards, but looking forwards, and we're always looking for new people to come and take the carnival forward."

The week-long programme culminates in 'carnival day' Wednesday, featuring a jousting tournament, aerobatic display, street parade and much more.

A fancy dress dance will take place on Friday evening.

North Norfolk News: Bradley Walsh with at Cromer Pier with Jessica Foster, the 2019 Cromer Carnival queen, and other members of the 'royal' family. Picture: Stuart AndersonBradley Walsh with at Cromer Pier with Jessica Foster, the 2019 Cromer Carnival queen, and other members of the 'royal' family. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Bradley Walsh at Cromer Pier for the crowing of the Cromer Carnival queen at the 2019 50th anniversary event. Picture: Stuart AndersonBradley Walsh at Cromer Pier for the crowing of the Cromer Carnival queen at the 2019 50th anniversary event. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Bradley Walsh arrives at Cromer Pier for the crowing of the Cromer Carnival queen at the 2019 50th anniversary event. Picture: Stuart AndersonBradley Walsh arrives at Cromer Pier for the crowing of the Cromer Carnival queen at the 2019 50th anniversary event. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Jessica Foster, the Cromer Carnival queen for the 2019 50th anniversary event, arrives for the crowning at Cromer Pier forecourt. Picture: Stuart AndersonJessica Foster, the Cromer Carnival queen for the 2019 50th anniversary event, arrives for the crowning at Cromer Pier forecourt. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Angela Burton, nee Wilde, the 1971 Cromer Carnival queen, was back in town for the 2019 50th anniversary event. Picture: Stuart AndersonAngela Burton, nee Wilde, the 1971 Cromer Carnival queen, was back in town for the 2019 50th anniversary event. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Cromer Carnival parade, which sets off from Runton Road at 7pm on Wednesday.Photo: KAREN BETHELLCromer Carnival parade, which sets off from Runton Road at 7pm on Wednesday.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Crowds flocked to Cromer Pier for the 2019 Carnival Queen crowning. Picture: Stuart AndersonCrowds flocked to Cromer Pier for the 2019 Carnival Queen crowning. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Stallholders at the carnival car boot enjoyed busy day.Photo: KAREN BETHELLStallholders at the carnival car boot enjoyed busy day.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Stallholders at the carnival car boot enjoyed busy day.Photo: KAREN BETHELLStallholders at the carnival car boot enjoyed busy day.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Stallholders at the carnival car boot enjoyed busy day.Photo: KAREN BETHELLStallholders at the carnival car boot enjoyed busy day.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)