Only Fools and Horses star Sue Holderness will be appearing in Chatham’s pantomime this year.

Sue is best known for playing Marlene opposite John Challis’s Boycie in the classic BBC sitcom and its spin-off series The Green Green Grass.

She will appear in Beauty and the Beast at The Central Theatre from December 10 playing the Wicked Malevolent whose evil plans leave the Prince feeling not quite himself and the beautiful Belle in danger.

This is the second Central panto for Jordan Productions who made their Chatham debut in 2014 with Aladdin, starring ex-EastEnder Todd Carty.

Marlene was originally an unseen character in Only Fools, mentioned in passing by Del Boy, Rodney and their friends.

But in 1985 writer John Sullivan penned an episode where Boycie’s wife had to appear and Sue got the job. From her first moment on set it became clear she was a big hit with viewers and she appeared in the sitcom until it finished in 2003.

She then appeared in theatre productions including a successful tour of Calendar Girls before Boycie and Marlene were reunited for The Green Green Grass which ran for four series from 2005 to 2009.

A spokesman for the production, said: “Bigger, better and beastlier than any panto seen in Medway, Beauty and the Beast will not disappoint as once again Medway is promised live music, wonderful sets, beautiful costumes and rip-roaring adventure in true panto style.”

More star casting for the panto will be announced soon.

Beauty and the Beast is at the Central Theatre, Chatham from Thursday, December 10, to Sunday, January 3. Tickets are already available, book on on 01634 338338 or online at www.medwayticketslive.co.uk.