Cold Feet star steps up for Xmas panto

Derby LIVE has announced that one of the stars of the hit TV show Cold Feet has been lined up to play the baddie in this year’s annual Christmas panto, which is set to take place at Derby Arena.

John Thomson, who plays Pete Gifford in the ITV comedy, will take to the stage as Arena as antagonist Abanazar in Aladdin, which will run from Friday 9 December to Saturday 31 December.

He will be starring alongside award-winning Best Dame Morgan Brind.

Aladdin is being presented by Derby LIVE and Derby-based Little Wolf Entertainment.

In a joint statement, Morgan Brind and Alan Bowles, from Little Wolf, said: “We’re elated to announce that John will be joining our cast of Aladdin this Christmas.

“John has an impressive showbiz CV from his recent appearance as ‘Bush Baby’ in series two of The Masked Singer and his antics in 90s comedy show The Fast Show, along with voicing a number of characters in Spitting Image.”

John said: “I’m very excited to bring my own brand of panto magic, as well as getting to know the locals, the city and perfecting my Derby accent!”

Tickets for Aladdin are now on sale and can be purchased from the Derby LIVE website – please click here.