Ex-Holby City actor Joe McFadden may have won Strictly Come Dancing but he’s unlikely to win the hearts of theatre-goers this Christmas as he appears as the “baddiest baddie” in panto.

Joe McFadden says he is looking forward to playing his worst villain yet when he takes to the stage at The Central Theatre in Chatham for the town’s production of panto favourite Jack and the Beanstalk.

Speaking at the launch, he told KentOnline: “This is the baddiest baddie I have been because he hates the children and he assists the giant.

“I am looking forward to getting my teeth into that and getting booed lots.”

While Joe will be scaring the children, CBeebies star Katy Ashworth will be a friendly face to the youngsters as she will be sprinkling magic across the stage in her role as Fairy Fuchsia.

If the young theatre-goers came along to last year’s festive performance they might recognise another familiar face as actor Alex Anstey is back by popular demand for his usual panto shenanigans as Dame Trott.

Another recognisable face treading the boards this year will be Britain’s Got Talent sensation Andrew Curphey who wowed talent show viewers last year to get to the semi-finals with his variety-filled act.

He said he is looking forward to giving the young audience some memories to take home with them.

Andrew said: “I love that for a lot of children it is their first time at the theatre and I’m sure they are going to love the show.”

Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s cabinet member for heritage, culture and leisure, said: “It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas, and it is really exciting to see this year’s pantomime at The Central Theatre start to take shape with some of the brilliant cast members being announced.

“It is sure to be an amazing and magical show that children, and more than a few adults, across Medway will love.”

To book tickets click on the link here.

Preview night tickets are available for £17 and tickets for other performances start at £20.50.

Children under 18 months can enter free of charge, but will need a ticket. Please make reservations through the Box Office by calling 01634 338338 if you have children under 18 months in your party.

There will also be exclusive school group performances taking place at 10.30am on the 13, 16, 17 and 19 December.

There will be a British Sign Language (BSL) signed performance on Sunday, 15 December at 6pm.

A relaxed performance will take place on Thursday, 30 December at 5pm. During this show, the house lights will be left on, there will be no loud noises or special effects, and the audience is free to move around the theatre as they like. This performance will also be interpreted by a BSL interpreter.

Performances will take place at The Central Theatre from Thursday, December 12 to Sunday, January 5.