TV star and former page three model Linda Lusardi is to star in the Christmas panto at Blackburn’s Empire Theatre.

She will play the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella which opens on Saturday, November 26 and runs until New Year’s Eve.

After a successful modelling career, Linda has become a familiar face on our TV screens.

She played Carrie Nichols in ITV’s Emmerdale, where she murdered Tom King in one of the soap’s most memorable storylines; Maggie Lyons in The Bill; Frankie in Brookside; and has also appeared in The Detectorists on BBC4. She has also taken part in reality TV shows including Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Masterchef.

Linda said: “I love performing in panto and to be part of this brand-new production in Blackburn is very exciting. I’ll be practicing my Fairy Godmother skills to help bring extra magic to Cinderella this year.

“I look forward to seeing you all in Blackburn for some festive fun.”

Tom Rolfe, of Tom Rolfe Productions, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Linda to Cinderella at The Blackburn Empire this year. She is no stranger to pantomimes and has received five-star reviews for her performances over the years.

“It’s going to be a fun-packed production for the whole family, and we will be bringing you more exciting news soon. I hope to see you all at The Blackburn Empire Theatre.”

For details visit www.blackburnempire.com