Mum Hayley ready to grant Panto wishes

Hayley Kay is returning to panto less than a year after the birth of her son Freddie

After a year off to give birth to baby Freddie, Hayley Kay is back at the Grand Theatre this December – moving into the genie’s lamp for a month-long run of Aladdin.

The decision to head back to the panto stage was a big one for Radio Wave breakfast star Hayley to take.

But she can’t wait to be back in the festive spotlight.

“I was admitted to the Vic on the day the panto opened last year,” said Hayley.

“I’m excited.

“I missed it, it’s a brilliant feeling.

“You’re like a spectator on everybody else’s Christmas because you’re working.

“But I love it.”

Last time she starred on the Grand stage Hayley met her partner John.

And the pair are looking forward to working together as a couple this time around, even if it has meant launching a massive operation to ensure Freddie is taken care of.

“It was a tough decision to go back to panto,” said Hayley.

“Things are so different.

“There are a lot of things to think about.

“I had to speak to my family, to my partner, to Freddie’s nursery.

“But I spoke to other presenters who have managed the same thing.

“They convinced me that anything is possible.”

And Hayley, who returned to work at Radio Wave earlier this year, already has serious plans in place.

She said: “People who know me won’t be surprised, I’ve already done a schedule from day one to the final day,

“We’ll get a lot of help from the family and the company have been great.

“The Grand have said I’ll have a nice big dressing room and Freddie can come and visit when I like.”

And Freddie has already been introduced to some of Hayley’s pantomime pals.

“The great thing about the pantomime is it’s like one big family anyway,” she said.

“I took Freddie along last year when he was just a couple of weeks old.

“The guys were fantastic.

“I know they’ll make it work.

“End to end it’s only about six weeks – that’s all and that’s how I have to think about it.”

Hayley will be playing the genie alongside another Fylde coast born star.

Barny Harwood, who presents Blue Peter and other shows for CBBC, grew up in Preesall and has already done one season of panto at The Grand.

Lancashire comedian and Blackpool favourite Steve Royle returns for another December run in the show which opens on Friday December 9.