FROM Joseph to Cinderella, actors and friends Chris Crosby and Johndeep More are reunited this Christmas. Both appeared on the BBC's search for a Joseph on Any Dream Will Do, and are now playing Prince Charming (Chris) and his friend Dandini (Johndeep) in the Theatre Royal Windsor's panto.

Johndeep tells me: "Dandini is Prince Charming's right hand man, and it is exciting to work with Chris again. Our relationship will be natural, rather than having to forge something, we have genuinely got a relationship."

Both the young actors are starring in their first pantomime, with Johndeep, 24, a total panto virgin.

"I have never even seen a pantomime," he admits. "This really is my debut in every sense of the word.

"I don't really know what I have let myself in for, but I have an open mind. I am a tiny bit nervous, because I haven't done it before, but I am really excited. I am going to have fun with it."

Chris became involved with the pantomime after appearing in Bill Kenwright's production of Half a Sixpence earlier this year.

"He asked me if I wanted to play Prince Charming in Windsor's panto, and I thought any role that comes up when you are just starting out is good," Chris explains.

"I wouldn't have done it if it was the back end of a cow though," he laughs. "I am looking forward to the fun of it."

Any Dream Will Do was the brainchild of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and saw 12 young men competing for the lead role in a West End production of Joseph and The Technicolour Dreamcoat, which was won by Lee Mead.

Johndeep says of his time on the show: "It was a fantastic experience and I had an amazing time.

"It really opened doors for me, and I have been doing some recordings, auditioning and concerts.

So apart from Joseph, what other show would Johndeep love to star in?

"The Lion King," he says without hesitation.

"The storyline is amazing and the production is breathtaking. I love gospel music, and I would love to be a part of that. It is quite an ethnic show, so it's right for me.

"When I came off Any Dream Will Do, I wanted to do everything, but now I think I am going to concentrate on musical theatre."

Chris's experiences on the show were different to Johndeep's. He was the first to leave.

He says: "In the work I have been doing since the show, I have been able to be myself, and people have seen a different side to me.

"Television is very edited, and they show what they want to show. Reality television is not real. It is not a reality show, it is a television show."

But he admits: "It was a great opportunity to have at the age of 18. I have been very busy, and there were different career options that came up.

"I am going to work damn hard to get to the top of my game, and I will do it off my own back, which will satisfy me."

Both Johndeep and Chris are looking forward to their first ever panto season.

Johndeep says: "I have been to Windsor once before, and I loved it. It is near to the hustle and bustle of London, but it is tranquil and beautiful, and the theatre is beautiful too."

Cinderella is on at the Theatre Royal Windsor until Sunday, January 6, 2008. Details: 01753 853888 or www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk