[Will.]

Comedian and broadcaster Amy Lamé was today unveiled as London’s first night czar, tasked with turning the capital into a thriving 24-hour city.

The US-born, naturalised British performer said one of her first priorities was to stop the closure of nightclubs and music venues.

Ms Lamé, 45, said: “It’s a privilege to be London’s very first night czar. I can’t wait to hit the streets and have loads of ideas of what I can do for revellers, night-time workers, businesses and stakeholders.

“For too long, the capital’s night-time industry has been under pressure — music venues and nightclubs in particular are closing at an alarming rate.

“With the advent of the Night Tube, and the Mayor’s commitment to protect iconic venues across the city, I’m confident that I can inspire a positive change in the way people think about the night-time economy.”