How the panto stars will spend Christmas Day

So Christmas Day will be a precious time for celebrities as they share a well-earned break with their loved ones.

Strictly Come Dancing champion Camilla Dallerup, cast as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Pomegranate Theatre , said: “I will be spending Christmas here in Chesterfield with my husband and my parents-in-law. My husband is a great cook so I shall enjoy a day off with lovely food and a little glass of red wine.”

Samantha Womack, who plays Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders, is working her magic as Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington, at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre. She said: “I will be spending my Christmas break doing as much eating and laughing as possible. I am most looking forward to watching the kids open their stockings.”

Vicky Entwhistle, best known as Janet Battersby from Coronation Street, plays the bad fairy in Sleeping Beauty at Mansfield Palace Theatre. She is looking forward to spending time with her husband at their rented country lodge. “We have our golden retriever and chocolate labrador with us so I’m sure a Christmas walk will be on the cards,” she said.

Boxing Day will see the stars back in action. Steve Nallon, from Spitting Image, appears in Jack and the Beanstalk at Buxton Opera House. He said “I used to love taking my niece and nephews to the panto every Boxing Day. Now they are all grown-up and this Christmas they are coming to see me play my first Dame. Seeing them in the audience at the Opera House will be a bit special.”