Hollyoaks and CBBC stars lead the way in Cinderella in Fareham panto

Andy, who played lovable rogue Rhys Ashworth in the long-running soap for eight years, stars as Prince Charming in this year's pantomime at Ferneham Hall in Fareham.

He was Prince Valiant for Sleeping Beauty in panto last year, and for the last few months he has been appearing in a new West End musical, Knights of The Rose as Prince Gawain.

He's joined in Cinderella by actor, stand-up and CBBC star Ed Petrie as Buttons '“ which was the first role he played in professional panto back in 2011 in Poole.

It also stars Melissa Jane Fleming in the title role, stage and screen veteran Helen Watson as the Fairy Godmother and Richard Pocock and Harry Hart as the ugly sisters. 

Andy said: '˜I've loved Christmas, ever since I was a kid, and for me you get to be involved in Christmas for six weeks '“ and everyone's happy to see you and there's a really good vibe.

'˜It's still a fairy tale, and I get to sing, I'm looking forward to it.'

Ed, who grew up in Rustington, West Sussex, said: '˜I'm really excited to be playing Buttons again, it's quite nostalgic '“ he's an interesting character, you're never quite sure if he's happy how the story turns out.

'˜And it will be really nice to be down here for Christmas as my parents are only about an hour's drive away, and i used to come down this way for pantos as a kid.'

The show is being put together by Ferneham Hall's regular panto partners Jordan Productions.

It runs from December 14 to January 6, 2019. Tickets cost from £14.50 to £20.50 with schools/group concessions available on selected performances. Go to fernehamhall.co.uk or call the box office 01329 231942.