Former EastEnders star Jamie Foreman, who played Derek Branning, will play the Emperor of China in this year's Christmas panto.

He will be joined by Ben Ofuedo of 90’s band Phatts and Small playing the Genie, alongside already announced star, Boyzone’s Shane Lynch.

They will all be appearing in Aladdin, at the Woodville, Gravesend, this Christmas.

Foreman spent two years in Eastenders, before being killed off in true Walford style, on Christmas Day 2012.

He's appeared in a number of films, and starred opposite Ray Winstone in Nil By Mouth, with Daniel Craig in Layer Cake, and played Bill Sikes in Roman Polanski’s Oliver Twist.

Ben Ofuedo was the lead singer of 90’s pop group Phatts and Small, who are best know for this hit song ‘Got To Turn Around’.

Along with his partner Vanessa Feltz, Ben has featured on a number of tv shows, including Celebrity Wife Swap, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Pointless, and The All Star Talent Show.

Foreman and Ofuedo join Shane Lynch, who as part of Boyzone, has been a household name for 20 years, achieving worldwide record sales of over 25 million.

Boyzone are currently on tour, promoting their latest album, BZ20.

Aladdin runs from December 13 - January 4.

For details visit www.gravesendpanto.com