TV and Radio star Vernon Kay will make his stage and pantomime debut this year at the Wycombe Swan.
The household name will star as Dandini in this year's Christmas panto Cinderella which runs from December 9 to 31.
He revealed that when the opportunity came up to be part of the show it was his daughters that convinced him to do it.
Vernon said: “I am beyond excited to be playing Dandini in Cinderella and I’m gonna give this everything I’ve got.
"Having done TV and radio for the last 25 years this will be a totally new experience for me, I love testing myself and trying new things and being a massive panto fan, I can’t think of a better way to make my stage debut.
"We’re a family of panto lovers, my two daughters, Tess and I go every year- it’s a steadfast family tradition- so when the option came for me to be in one my girls said ‘Dad you have to do it’ and I couldn’t have agreed more! I love the romance, the slapstick – the whole lot.
"It’s also where ‘Dad jokes’ rule and I’m the king of the Dad joke!
"We’ve visited the Wycombe Swan panto a number of times as a family so it’s great to be here at one of my local venues.
"I love Christmas, I could do it every day and I’m hugely proud to be a part of people’s festive celebrations.
"I’m looking forward to every performance, just getting out there and enjoying the ride with everyone!”
He first appeared on our screens in 2000 presenting Channel 4's T4, followed by a ten-year takeover of ITV’s All Star Family Fortunes at the same time presenting shows including; Just the Two of Us, Beat the Star, The Whole 19 Yards, Splash! 1000 Heartbeats, Drive and Game of Talents.
Vernon presented his own BBC Radio 1 and Radio X shows and is a regular stand in on BBC Radio 2.
He’s also the main presenter for the live coverage of Formula E for English speaking territories and platforms around the world.
In 2020, Kay finished in third place on the twentieth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
Over the last year, Vernon has regularly presented slots on ITV’s This Morning.
Fiona Martin, Theatre Director at the Wycombe swan, said: "We’re thrilled to be able to share this exciting news and can’t wait to welcome Vernon to our stage for his first ever panto experience!
"We know that his cheeky wit and fantastic energy will be a huge hit with families, I think his local knowledge will also make for some hilarious gags too!
"This year, our spectacular family pantomime will also be premiering a dazzling digital set.
"With this exciting addition of Vernon Kay to our glittering cast, Cinderella really will be the best ball in town and a show like nothing we’ve seen before!"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here