The key to all good pantomimes is audience participation and two stars of this year’s show cannot wait to be booed and cheered in turn.

Sue Holderness, best known for playing Marlene opposite John Challis’ Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, is going to be the baddie, taking on the role of the Wicked Malevolent.

And X Factor’s Stevi Ritchie, fresh from Celebrity Big Brother, is the pot washer, clown, and all-around good guy, Potty Pierre.

After first appearing on stage aged just three, Sue’s acting career has spanned 46 years and 26 pantomimes.

“I’ve been ‘good’ once,” she said. “I did a pantomime with John Challis and if we do pantomime together he has to be bad because, of course, he’d be no good as a fairy, so I was good fairy for a whole year in Richmond –and I just didn’t think it was as much fun.

“I like the audience to boo and hiss and really join in. When I play the wicked witch I do develop these extraordinary magic powers, so people have to be very nice to me or I can cast wicked spells upon them all.”

In contrast, Stevi is hoping Potty Pierre will have the audience laughing.

He said: “I’m playing a good character. I’m like the kids’ friend, and if I get a good reaction from them and they really enjoy it, that for me is just brilliant, because if you can entertain kids you can entertain everyone.”

Stevi, along with his girlfriend and fellow X Factor finalist Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, stepped back on to TV screens when they went into the Celebrity Big Brother house.

“It was quite intense but I have no regrets. It was up and down for me like a roller coaster, but I’m glad I went in,” he said.

“I always said this woulf make us or break us, and for me and for her, it’s made us, it really has and we’re getting married next year in Oxford. I can’t wait.”

Of his wife-to-be he said: “She’s a gorgeous, stunning woman, I’m so lucky to have her. I mean, me, I’m not Brad Pitt, I’m average Joe, and I’m with her. We’re opposites but we’ve got a lot in common – that’s why we bond so well.”

Chloe will be coming to see him in the show, and Stevi said local people can expect to spot him out in Medway during the panto run as he is staying nearby.

The cast also includes Katy Ray as Beauty, Michael Neilson as the traditional panto dame Dotty Derier, and Sarah Lark as Fairy Formidable.

Beauty and the Beast is Jordan Productions’ second panto at the theatre following last year’s show, Aladdin, which featured former EastEnders actor Todd Carty, singer Javine Hylton, and Britain’s Got Talent duo Twist and Pulse.

The show starts on December 10, 2015 and runs until January 3, 2016. For tickets visit www.medwayticketslive.co.uk or call 01634 338338.