THE lucky holder of the 100,000th ticket sold since Darlington Hippodrome reopened to the public almost three years ago celebrated with panto stars.

In a special meeting with Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas and comedy writer and actor Daniel Taylor, theatre-goer Louise Vadgama got the chance to go behind-the-scenes.

Ms Ballas and Mr Taylor, who for the past month have been performing in Jack and the Beanstalk, sat down with Ms Vadgama before signing merchandise.

After the chance meeting, Shirley Ballas said: "This is only my second pantomime having being encouraged to give it a try last year by fellow Strictly judge Craig Revell Horwood.

"I'm so excited to have appeared in Darlington and this wonderful theatre –the restoration is absolutely stunning and the audiences have been amazing, so warm and welcoming."

The Hippodrome was closed for eighteen months while the Grade II listed building underwent a significant refresh.

After reopening in November 2017, formerly known as Darlington Civic Theatre, it was transformed to include a three-storey glass atrium, a new box-office and café bar area.

In September, The Northern Echo spoke to Shirley Ballas ahead of the month-long Jack and the Beanstalk performance beginning in December.

At the time, Ms Ballas promised readers that the panto performance would be the "most spectacular 3D extravaganza" with its line-up of well-known names.

She said: “I am very excited to be here in Darlington to be in Jack and the Beanstalk opposite Danny Taylor playing Freshcreep and all the other cast.”

“It’s going to be the most spectacular 3D extravaganza that you could possibly imagine, and I’m very excited to be here.”

Along with Mr Taylor, Britain's Got Talent's George Sampson and stand-up comedian Phil Walker spent the past four weeks in the performance.

Sunday, January 5, marked the performance's final day.