Fresh from Celebs Go Dating filming, Aladdin pantomime star Gary Lucy says he's counting on Sunderland Empire audiences to raise the roof this Christmas

The actor, who’s well-known for his roles in a host of shows such as Hollyoaks, The Bill, Casualty and Footballers’ Wives, will be starring as panto baddie Abanazer in Aladdin when the classic panto flies into Sunderland Empire from December 9, 2022 – Monday, January 2, 2023.

Gary, who’s also just finished filming for the latest series of Celebs Go Dating, was last on the Empire stage when he performed in the musical version of The Full Monty – and he says he’s looking forward to plenty of boos as this year’s resident panto baddie.

“I’ve been up to Sunderland a couple of times, it’s a fantastic theatre, a great atmosphere and the crowds are raucous,” he said. “Last time I was there it was in The Full Monty. I don’t think my clothes will be coming off this time though.

"Apart from Christmas Day I’ll be in Sunderland and I’m looking forward to Christmas up there, it’s a vibrant place and the people are friendly and up for a laugh. I’m looking forward to the audience interaction."

Gary’s been in the city recently to meet with his fellow cast members, which includes North East Queen of Comedy, Miss Rory, back for a third year running as the glamorous and razor sharp witty Widow Twankey.

Miss Rory will be joined by her sidekick, South Shields comic Tom Whalley, who’s become a favourite slapstick panto jester at the venue.

Speaking about meeting the cast, Gary said: "They’re all absolutely lovely and good fun. I think me and Miss Rory are going to get on like a house on fire. “They’re a really nice bunch and I’m looking forward to getting going with the show.

"Last panto I did was with Cilla Black down in Aylesbury in 2010. I played Prince Charming. It was an incredible experience working with such a legend, she’s very missed.

"That’s the last panto I did and I always said I’d only do them if it’s a good one – this one looks great and I’m really looking forward to it. It happened to fit in with my schedule because I’ve just come off Celebs Go Dating. I was going to have Christmas off, but this looks like good fun.”

Gary said it’s great to be able to portray a broad variety of characters, on TV and stage.

"I’ve been really blessed with my career, I’ve been working since I was 16 on big shows like Footballers’ Wives, The Bill, Eastenders and Hollyoaks,” he said.

"I really like being able to do different things and all the different roles and characters, it’s the beauty of what we do as actors.”

The panto is set to be a highlight of the festive period and is one of many big shows heading to the Empire.

It was recently announced that Disney’s The Lion King will perform a seven-week run at the venue next spring and next month it will host blockbuster musical Les Misérables.

:: Aladdin will be at Sunderland Empire from Friday 9 December 2022 – Monday 2 January 2023. Tickets are available now from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 7615 or online at www.ATGtickets.com/sunderland