Corrie star joins cast for arena’s Christmas panto

A former Coronation Street star will be swapping the cobbles of Weatherfield for the streets of Derby when she joins the cast for this year’s Christmas panto at Derby Arena.

Known for her iconic role as Cilla Battersby-Brown in the ITV soap, Wendi Peters will star as the villainous Queen Rat in this year’s festive pantomime, Dick Whittington, presented by Little Wolf Entertainment and Derby LIVE.

Wendi is no stranger to captivating audiences with her mischievous charm.

Her four-year stint as the much-loved (and sometimes hated) loudmouth Cilla in Coronation Street from 2003 to 2007 established her as a master of outrageous behaviour.

Beyond the cobbles, her extensive screen credits include Doctors (BBC1), Hetty Feather (BBC), Midsomer Murders (ITV), and Bad Girls (ITV).

Her impressive stage career includes Glorious (Hope Mill Theatre) and a national tour of Sister Act: The Musical.

Speaking about her new role, Wendi said: “I’m excited to be bringing my scheming panto magic to Derby, playing the Queen Rat in Dick Whittington this Christmas. I’m also looking forward to getting to know Derby!”

Award-winning producers Little Wolf Entertainment, the creative force behind Derby’s smash-hit pantomimes, has unveiled this year’s cast, which also features a host of familiar faces from past productions.

In a joint statement producers Alan Bowles and Morgan Brind, of Little Wolf Entertainment, said: “We’re hugely excited to welcome Wendi Peters to the cast this year.

“Her vast experience across stage and screen, and particularly in pantomime, makes her the perfect Queen Rat.”

Dick Whittington is at Derby Arena from Friday 5th to Wednesday 31st December.

Tickets are now on sale. For more information visit https://www.derbylive.co.uk/.