Time called on Leicester Square's street performers

Tommi has been a living statue for 20 years, endeavouring to stay rooted to the spot amid hailstones, loose dogs and teasing teenagers.

- Kate McCusker

But even he was moved by the news that Leicester Square would no longer host street performers, calling time on one of London's most renowned tourist-friendly quirks.

Musicians, mimes and magicians will today be forced to vacate the area, leaving nothing but the sound of passing traffic and the Shakespeare fountain - after Westminster council was "left with no choice" but to bring in a ban because of noise complaints.

Tommi has reason to feel especially aggrieved, especially as his act makes no sound at all. The Guardian met him dressed as a golden Charlie Chaplin, but he has many other costumes, including a cowboy and a Viking. "We give everything here," he said. "Even if we are sad, we smile to the children. It's not an easy job because the costume is really cold in the winter, and in the summer it's too hot in the makeup."

Nor is it an easy gig for those who don't have to spend 45 minutes covering themselves in gold body paint every morning.

"The epitome of busking in London is Leicester Square," said Myles Crossley, 28, who treated passing pedestrians to one last rendition of Coldplay's Yellow yesterday afternoon. "We live in a TikTok world now where everyone's getting their dopamine from these quick, five-second videos.