Leicester’s The X Factor winner Sam Bailey is to appear in panto at the city’s De Montfort Hall for the fourth consecutive year.
She will play So Shi in Aladdin, with Anthony Costa from the band Blue taking the role of Abanazar.
Bailey won the Great British Pantomime award for best supporting female in 2018 for her performance as Mrs Darling and pirate Shoo in Peter Pan. The cast took the award for best ensemble.
She said, “I’m so pleased to be back in Leicester for Christmas. I had such a laugh last year and can’t wait to get back on stage and into costume.”
BBC Radio Leicester’s Martin Ballard will play Widow Twankey. Children’s TV presenter Nathan Connor, impressionist Paul Burling and magicians Matthew Pomeroy and Natasha Lamb have also committed to Aladdin.
De Montfort Hall general manager Antony Flint said, “we’re thrilled to have Sam and Martin back on board after proving themselves to be pantomime favourites. Anthony, Nathan and Paul will further enhance this remarkable cast.
“Panto is now firmly in the festive calendar for our audiences—and this year will be bigger and better than ever.”
Aladdin will run from Saturday 14 December until Sunday 6 January 2020.