Television’s Simon Cowell will be appearing in panto in Chatham - as a puppet.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett will be on stage at The Central Theatre with his sidekick Arthur Lager. And Steve’s dummy of judge Simon Cowell, which was a big hit on the show, will also be making an appearance.

Ventriloquist Steve came fourth in the final of Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday after he took 14.7% of the public vote.

Steve has been a ventriloquist for 21 years. He has performed for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and appeared alongside Brian Conley, Cliff Richard and Ken Dodd.

The 38-year-old will play Herman the Henchman in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Producer Paul Hendy, from Evolution Pantomimes, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Steve on board. I have wanted to work with him for a long time. His success on Britain’s Got Talent has made me want to do so even more.

“And we must be the only pantomime in the country to have an appearance from Simon Cowell.”

• Snow White runs at The Central Theatre, Chatham, from December 12 to January 5. To find out more and to book tickets, visit www.medwayticketslive.co.uk