Shane Richie was best known for his role in EastEnders as the much loved pub landlord Alfie Moon. But with the actor set to grace the stage in Dartford, reporter Alex Matthews asked him - what’s it all about?

As a North London boy who found fame and fortune in the East End, Richie, it seems, will always have a bond with our capital.

And while he prepares to tread the boards at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre, a city link is still not far away.

The 50-year-old will be starring as “Dick” in Qdos Entertainment production of Dick Whittington, a tale of a man who heads to London and finds his fortune with the help of a cat, from Saturday, December 12.

Richie will be swapping one 'Kat' for another in his panto role but he will have no problem getting used to Dartford's crowds.

He said: “My wife loves Bluewater so I know the area and sometimes when she goes there I pop down to Dartford and go to the theatre and see what is on.”

The multi-talented actor is no stranger to panto and has also played Danny Zuko in the West End production of Grease, which broke all box office records, and in Boogie Nights The Musical, which he co-wrote and co-produced in the West End and on national tour.

Richie said he really enjoyed pantos but often got type-cast as the “good guy” - not that he was complaining.

He said: “I’ve done a few pantos over the years but this is my first time in Dartford. I’ve always wanted to do one there. It’s close to where I live and I’ve got friends that live near by.

”I always play the good guy in panto whether it's Aladdin or Dick Whittington. I played Hook in the past but I just made him more appealing.”

Going to a pantomime is a Christmas institution for many people and the perfect way to enjoy some festive family fun. However, for the cast it is the result of a packed schedule, full of rehearsals and choreography.

When asked if preparation was a struggle, Richie said: “A struggle is working on the roads in the middle of the night, doing two shows a day is lovely.

“The panto gives me a chance to blow off some steam. There is also the opportunity to interact with the crowd and I like doing that.”

Those looking forward to seeing Richie back on TV have a lot to enjoy.

He said: “I’ve just finished filming Benidorm and also a Jimmy McGovern drama for the BBC and a show about the making of Dad’s Army with John Sessions, so the panto is providing a nice break from drama at the moment.”

For information about Dick Whittington at the Orchard Theatre log on to www.orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the ticket office on 01322 220000