Strictly star Anton Du Beke is set to enchant audiences from across Richmond borough this Christmas.

The dancer and judge will play Buttons in Cinderella at Richmond Theatre and cannot hide his excitement at the prospect of returning to the stage near Teddington.

Speaking yesterday, Anton, who has been dubbed 'Mr Saturday Night', said: "I can't begin to tell you how excited I am, I can't wait to get stuck into it. And Richmond Theatre is just beautiful."

The Strictly star's popularity and charm practically guarantees that tickets for the show this winter, which start at £13, will likely be in high demand.

Anton added that he has been taking tips from fellow Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood on how to make the most of his role.

"I have been asking Craig for some advice, who is properly panto, and he said I must learn my lines," the Strictly star revealed.

"It is a serious business and I don't want to be that guy who doesn't come prepared. I am really conscious about learning my lines and really doing it well and enjoying it."

The married father-of-two said: "The great thing about panto this year is that it is going to be the gateway to theatre. I think next year in the theatre is going to be really exciting.

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"We are going to have families back - children, parents and granny and grandad are all going to go to the theatre. They are going to be full and everyone is going to have a great time.

"Pantos are a wonderful thing to be part of, everyone knows the joy."

Looking ahead to rehearsals, he told BBC Breakfast: "The Richmond cast are fantastic. There will be songs and a big production dance number."

Anton will be joined by West End star Rosemary Ashe, who is no stranger to the spotlight having played Carlotta in the original cast of Phantom of the Opera and Felicia Gabriel in The Witches of Eastwick, which won er an Olivier Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical.

Cinderella will be played by Oonagh Cox, who has already appeared in Jonathan O'Boyle's The Wedding Singer and Matilda the Musical.

The Ugly Sisters are played by David Dale and Bobby Delaney with Edward Chitticks as Prince Charming and Jonny Weston as Dandini.

Cinderella will offer all the ingredients of the traditional panto with laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular dancing, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

The show runs from Friday, December 3, through until Sunday, January 2.

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Bookings available here.