Stalwart Steve Royle looking forward to be being back in panto at Blackpool Grand Theatre

This year, he is starring with ex-Coronation Street actress Lisa George in Jack and The Beanstalk from December 4 and he said: “Blackpool Grand at Christmas is something really special, and over the years, the audiences here have genuinely become like an extended family to me.

“There’s such a strong connection; people come back year after year, and you can feel just how much it means to them, which makes it even more special for us on stage.

“It’s always a very special experience and it is great to see new generations enjoying the panto. I have people coming up to me saying they saw me here as a kid and now they’re brining their own children.

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“Panto is a great British tradition and it wouldn’t be the same without a bit of Silly Simon causing chaos.

“With Lisa joining the cast, it’s going to be bigger, funnier and more spectacular than ever, a proper giant of a pantomime that’s packed with laughs from start to finish.”