Singer-songwriter Joe McElderry will be back on stage in Newcastle this Christmas to co-star in pantomime for a second year.
The performer, who was a hit in 2021 panto Snow White at the Theatre Royal, is to join up with cast regulars Danny Adams and Clive Webb again in this year's show Cinderella.
The city theatre announced the news this Thursday, saying it is delighted at McElderry's return following his "triumphant debut".
Read more: Review of Snow White as panto makes emotional return to Theatre Royal
During the last festive season, McElderry, whose music career since his 2009 X Factor winner has also taken in TV and musical theatre, played The Man in the Mirror in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, slotting nicely into Danny and Clive's well-honed partnership and the show's dynamics.
This time around, McElderry will be fully immersed in their trademark banter again in a new role as The Fairy Godfather when Cinderella, which also will welcome back panto regular Chris Hayward, takes to the Theatre Royal stage from November 29.
McElderry, who will be celebrating the music of George Michael in his Freedom tour this year, shared the news with his 275,00 Twitter followers, saying: "Thrilled to be back with the gang this Christmas! Playing fairy godfather! Can’t wait!"
Producer Michael Harrison, who also directs the annual pantomime, said: “Joe received such a rapturous welcome from our audience last Christmas I just had to invite him back to join Danny, Clive and Chris for Cinderella this year.
"Joe is the ultimate showman – bringing incredible musical talent and hilarious comedy interaction with Danny to the show."
Tickets for Cinderella's lengthy run - which will continue until January 15, 2023 - are already on sale and Michael said the production is set to be the most lavish yet.
"Cinderella, which will feature set and costumes from our London Palladium production, is already shaping up to be our biggest Newcastle Theatre Royal panto to date," he said.
Marianne Locatori, the theatre's chief executive, added: “Joe was a wonderful addition to an already spectacular cast; he proved to be a real hit with our audiences who were blown away by his stunning vocals and sense of fun and we are delighted that he will be joining us once again for Cinderella.”
For tickets to the show see the theatre website here or call its box office on 0191 232 7010.
For the latest What's On news, announcements and reviews direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
