EastEnders star and Strictly finalist Maisie Smith is making her pantomime debut in Kent this Christmas.

The former Albert Square resident will be joining the cast of the Marlowe Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast, the county’s biggest panto, from November.

The Canterbury theatre has scooped several accolades in the past for its winter productions, including Best Dame, Best Contribution to Music and Best Script at this year’s UK Pantomime Awards.

Maisie, who starred as Tiffany Butcher on the BBC soap from 2008 to 2014, will be returning to the Marlowe after visiting in March last year alongside Kevin Clifton - who made his debut as the panto baddie in 2023’s Aladdin - in the musical Strictly Ballroom.

“It’s so exciting to be making my pantomime debut at the Marlowe Theatre, as it’s got such a fantastic reputation across the country,” says the 23-year-old actor. “The cast are all such lovely people and audiences are going to adore each and every one of them.

“I can’t wait to spend Christmas in Canterbury – it’s such a magical place and the audiences here are the best!”

Award-winning panto dame Ben Roddy will return for his 16th year, while CBeebies’ Mister Maker Phil Gallagher will also be joining the cast for the sixth year in a row.

The cast also boasts Horrible Histories’ Richard David-Caine, CBeebies’ Tyler Collins and West End performers Jocasta Almgill and Joseph Hewlett.

Beauty and the Beast will be written and directed by Paul Hendy, the Marlowe Theatre and Evolution Productions - the same team behind last year’s successful show.

This year’s panto opens on Friday, November 22 and will run until Sunday, January 12 2025.

Tickets are available online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 01227 787787.