Ex-Coronation Street actor is panto headliner

Actor Bill Ward will headline Bridlington Spa theatre's Christmas pantomime.

The 56-year-old will star in Jack and the Beanstalk and will play the role of the giant’s accomplice Fleshcreep.

The panto runs from 14 December to 5 January 2025.

The theatre has also announced that Brian Blessed is providing the voice of the giant.

Mr Ward is possibly best known for his time in Coronation Street between 2003 and 2007, where he played builder Charlie Stubbs. The character was killed by his on-screen partner, Tracy Barlow.

He also played James Barton in Emmerdale from 2013 to 2016, who was also killed by his on-screen partner.

During his three-year stint as Charlie Stubbs, Mr Ward won numerous awards, including British Soap Awards Winner Best Exit, Best Storyline, Best Showstopper, and Inside Soap Awards Winner Best Bad Boy.

He has recently appeared in The Hunt for Raoul Moat; a three-part crime drama for ITV and has performed in West End Shows including Everybody’s Talking about Jamie.

Mark Lonsdale, from Bridlington Spa, said talking about Christmas in April is normal for people working in the theatre.

He said: “It’s really bizarre working in the entertainment industry and theatre land because we’re always planning so far ahead.”

The theatre also says Mr Blessed will be the voice of Giant Blunderbore and the pantomime cast will feature Bridlington favourites Troy Harris, as Muddles, and Joe Standerline, as Dame Trott.

The booking was confirmed on BBC Radio Humberside on Saturday.

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