A County Durham-born television star will take centre stage in Darlington Hippodrome's this Christmas pantomime.
Beauty and the Beast returns to the venue, starring Matt Baker.
The former Blue Peter, Countryfile and The One Show presenter will star alongside Josh Benson and Jamie Jones from Friday, December 11, this year, to Sunday, January 3, 2027.
The Hippodrome has also announced Liv Newcomb as Belle and Neisha-Yen Jones as the Enchantress.
The theatre announced the expanded line-up, saying: "The magic wand has been waved, and the cast of Beauty and the Beast has grown!"
It added: "We're delighted to welcome Liv Newcomb as Belle and Neisha-Yen Jones as the Enchantress to Darlington Hippodrome's magical pantomime this Christmas."
The newcomers will join Baker, Benson and Jones in what organisers described as "bringing this tale as old as time to life" during the festive run.
Matt Baker will play Jack, Belle's brother, while Josh Benson and Jamie Jones will appear as Silly Billy and Mrs Potty respectively.
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The announcement prompted excitement, with one social media user commenting: "Looking forward to it."
Others said they were excited to see Baker return to the North East stage and the full cast bring the fairy tale to life.
The pantomime is produced by Crossroads Pantomimes and marks Baker's return to pantomime after four years.
Tickets are on sale now through Darlington Hippodrome.
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