Actress Cheryl Fergison, who is starring in pantomime in Chatham this Christmas, is already proving a big hit in this year’s Celebrity Big Brother.

Cheryl, who played murder victim Heather Trott in EastEnders, entered the house last night.

The 47-year-old and fellow soapstar Julie Goodyear, who played Bet in Coronation Street, were given a secret task on the launch show.

The pair had to turn Big Brother into a soap – receiving secret instructions from Big Brother through an earpiece. Their efforts, which included Julie throwing a drink over Cheryl, earned the house a party.

Cheryl, who will play the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Central Theatre, is second favourite to win the show on the betting site Paddy Power, behind fellow EastEnders actor Martin Kemp.

Pantomime producer Paul Hendy, of Evolution Productions, said: "We’re sure that Cheryl is going to be just as popular on Celebrity Big Brother as she was in EastEnders – and with her lovely bubbly personality she has got a great chance of winning the show.

"Tickets have already been selling fast to see Cheryl in panto here in Medway, so anyone hoping to see the show should book now to get the best seats."

Cinderella runs from Thursday, December 13, to Sunday, January 6. Call the box office on 01634 338338 or book online at www.medwaypanto.co.uk