Teenager Tara Verloop will get to meet her Prince Charming this Christmas after winning the lead role in this year’s Medway pantomime.

The pretty 16-year-old from Chatham beat 20 other hopefuls to play Cinderella at the Central Theatre on Sunday.

And that was despite being 10 minutes late for the open audition.

Tara will be sharing the stage with departing EastEnders heartthrob Joe Swash, although sadly he won’t be playing the romantic interest.

She said: “I was slightly late because I had a dance competition at 10.30am but I did call and let them know I was coming and I would be late.

"I’m so pleased to have got the part. I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to working alongside Joe Swash.”

Rehearsals for Cinderella begin on December 1 with curtain up for the opening performance on Friday December 12.

* For tickets and show times, call the box office on 01634 338338 or book online at www.medway.gov.uk/theatres