The dancing will be on point in panto at one Kent theatre this Christmas as Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas will be starring.

Shirley, who has been the lead judge on the BBC prime time show for five series, will appear in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells.

Known as the Queen of Latin, she will play the Wicked Queen in the show produced for the first time at the theatre with Evolution Productions.

A renowned dancer, dance teacher and choreographer she is three-time British Open to the World Latin American champion, 10-time United States Latin American champion, and has been British National champion multiple times.

She also remains the accolade of the youngest female ever to reach the British Open to the World Dance Championship finals.

Theatre director JJ Almond said: “We are hugely excited to have Shirley with us for this year’s panto.

"The work she’s done in the dance world is unparalleled so to have her on the AHT stage is a total honour. Strictly has a special and dedicated fanbase in Tunbridge Wells too so to have her with us while the glamour and excitement of this year’s series is still with us is going to be something truly special.”

The show, which is at the theatre from Friday, December 17 until Monday, January 3, 2022, is a co-production with the award-winning Evolution Productions.

Producer Emily Wood said: “We are thrilled to be working with Strictly's head judge Shirley this year in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The show is really shaping up to be Tunbridge Wells' biggest, funniest, and most spectacular pantomime ever, and it promises to be the perfect festive family treat.”

The theatre is currently enjoying its first full season since lockdown, which has included two sell-out Ricky Gervais performances in August.

In November the theatre sees the return of Cabaret Night, with a glamorous 007 theme. And tickets went on sale earlier this week for the ice rink in Calverley Grounds.

JJ added: “It means that audiences can experience a magical Christmas with us and make some great memories – something we all need at the moment."

Tickets for the panto go on sale to the public on Friday, September 17. Find out more by clicking here.

Ice skating tickets go on sale

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Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells