Amazing photos show Piccadilly Circus billboards through the ages as they go dark for longest time since 1949

THE iconic advertising displays which have lit up Piccadilly Circus for over a century have been switched off until the Autumn.

The electric billboards went off at 8.30 this morning and will stay dark for the longest time since the Second World War blackout.

A single screen, measuring 790 square metres, is set to be unveiled later this year to replace the six separate screens.

The new display will host live video streaming as well as information, such as weather forecasts and sports results.

The original billboards were introduced in 1908 and Perrier were the first to advertise on them.

They were switched off for the Second World War in 1939, during the blackouts, and re-lit a decade later.

Since then, apart from power cuts, they have only been darkened as a mark of respect during the funerals of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana, and as part of environmental campaigns.

Coca-Cola have had a spot on the famous screens since 1954 and will have one of the six slots on the new board.

Samsung will also be among the companies with a permanent ad on the screen.

It's estimated around 100 million people pass through Piccadilly Circus each year.