Pop star Rihanna said she loves London and wants a house in the capital as she switched on the Christmas lights at a shopping centre.

Wearing a red silk skirt, grey corset and a white bow in her hair, the singer cheered as the lights marked the official launch of the festive season.

She was joined on stage at the Westfield shopping centre in London’s Shepherd’s Bush by children from charity Help a London Child.

Barbados-born Rihanna, 22, told Sky News she “loves Christmas time” because she “loves gift-wrapping” presents for family and friends.

“I’m very excited to be in London, and surprised that so many people have turned out to see me.

“I love London, maybe one day I’d like to have a home here,” she added.

Hundreds of red roses and dazzling pyrotechnic displays lined the stage where Rihanna was joined by TV presenter George Lamb.

The singer, who performed on the X Factor last weekend, said she still gets nervous before going on stage.

“I definitely felt nervous before that, especially because of the millions of people who were watching.”

Rihanna, who has sold more than 25 million records worldwide, said she would like to work with bands Depeche Mode and Oasis in the coming year.

Her fifth album, Loud, will be released on November 15.