Former glamour model Linda Lusardi will take on the role of the Wicked Fairy in this year’s Gravesend panto, Sleeping Beauty.

This year’s festive production at The Woodville will see her do battle with 90s pop sister act Cleopatra, who play the Good Fairies, with plenty of singing and dancing promised.

Linda has headlined more than 25 pantos across the country since making her debut in Dartford some 30 years ago, but the annual tradition keeps pulling her back for more.

“Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without panto,” she said.

“It’s is the only show the audience can get involved in and shout back. It’s usually kids’ first experience of going to the theatre, which is great, and hopefully they carry on going as they get older and support their theatres.

“Sleeping Beauty is one of my favourites and I’ve done it twice before. It’s a great piece, and we’ve got Cleopatra in it this year so it’s going to be very musical.”

Also in the cast are Gravesend favourite Ant Payne as Silly Billy, and Rob Forknall as Nanny.

The title role belongs to Lucy Reed, who returns to The Woodville after playing leading parts in its productions of last year’s Jack And The Beanstalk and Alice In Wonderland.

Blue’s Antony Costa was the headline act in 2016, and Linda, who has appeared in Dancing On Ice, Masterchef, and Loose Women, is keen to live up to the high expectations Gravesend theatre goers have come to expect.

“Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without panto" Linda Lusardi

“I have heard good things and know that the production there was very good so we have a lot to live up to,” she said.

“I spoke to Antony and he said it was a very good show and Cleopatra are amazing, so we’re going to have plenty of talent.”

Linda was best known for a modelling career in the 80s and 90s which saw her grace many a Page 3.

She now has a successful acting career in TV, stage and film and has appeared in Emmerdale, The Bill, Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion and Shirley in Funny Peculiar.

She has also presented numerous shows and was delighted to be asked to become part of The Loose Women team in October 2014.

Sleeping Beauty runs at The Woodville December 9 until January 1, with tickets from £14. Book at gravesendpanto.com.