TV star Bradley Walsh is to star in this year's Christmas panto in Dartford.

The popular actor and presenter will be leading the cast in a magical production of rags to riches fairytale Cinderella at the Orchard Theatre.

Since starting out in the early 1990s as a stand-up comedian, Bradley has become a household name, both as a TV presenter, fronting shows including The National Lottery, and for his acting roles, most recently Danny Baldwin in ITV's Coronation Street, and DS Ronnie Brooks in ITV's Law & Order: UK.

He is currently presenting award-winning ITV game show The Chase, and also filming the eighth series of Law & Order: UK.

Jon Conway, executive producer of Cinderella, said: “We’re delighted that Bradley Walsh will be starring in this year’s Dartford pantomime. We know that Bradley will bring fantastic comedy to the pantomime stage."

Orchard Theatre director Chris Glover added: “I am delighted that Bradley will be starring in our Christmas pantomime, Cinderella. He is one of the country’s leading entertainers and a household name and I’m sure our patrons will be thrilled to watch him on stage.

“Last year we were overwhelmed with the number of letters and emails from customers telling us how much they loved the panto and we are confident that Cinderella is going to be as much fun!”

Cinderella will run at the Orchard Theatre from Saturday, December 14 to Saturday, January 4, 2014. Tickets are available by visiting www.orchardtheatre.co.uk or calling 01322 220000.