The chance to guest star in a pantomime often attracts a wide range of famous faces - some of them quite unlikely. From Sir Ian McKellen to Gareth Gates and Happy Days star Henry Winkler, celebrities jump at the chance to dress up and embrace the holiday spirit. Nevertheless, many people will still be surprised by news of the latest guest making an appearance this Christmas - Pamela Anderson.
The 42-year-old actress, best known for her role in Baywatch, will be making her pantomime debut in a UK production of Aladdin in December, taking on the role of the Genie of the Lamp. She will join Brian Blessed, who will star as panto villain Abanazar, at the New Wimbledon theatre. "We have been bringing American artists over to the UK for the past five years and she (Pamela) has been on our list for a while," said the show's producer. "She'll be bringing her family to London for Christmas and will arrive the week before her first performance to learn her lines. She will be very busy as there are two shows a day including on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, but she will have Christmas Day off."
Stepping into Pamela's shoes after her fortnight-long turn is Paul O'Grady, who is embracing the chance to add to his stage repertoire." I am really excited to be back in panto this year having not done one for some time," the 54-year-old TV host said. "This is also the first time I'll be playing a goodie as I've been a villain in most of my other stage roles." "Having made a living frightening children, it's probably time I aired my softer side. If I can find one in time," he joked.
