WELL slap my thigh! Blackpool Grand Theatre has announced its line-up for this year's Christmas panto.

And starring in Tom Bright's Aladdin will be Coronation Street star Reg Holdsworth (aka Ken Morley).

Reg popped into the theatre recently to announce he is very much looking forward to his role as Widow Twankey and says that this will be the best ever.

He added: "I love coming to Blackpool and as I live in the area The Grand is a home from home."

Taking to the stage with Ken is EastEnders' Lenny -- Des Coleman to his friends -- as Slave of The Ring,

Anna Williamson (The Disney Channel and Channel 5's The Core) as Aladdin, Geordie comic Steve Walls as Wishee Washee and Grand favourite bad-guy Shaun Curry (Just Good Friends) as Abanazar.

Grand Theatre general manager Peter Cutchie said of the line-up: "Once again we have an all-star cast and a festive show that promises fabulous costumes, lavish sets and fun for all the family -- I would book now because if last year is anything to go by, you will not have a seat if you wait until December!"

This year's production is brought to the Grand by Martin Dodd and Peter Frosdick (Anything Goes, Carousel and 42nd Street) who have produced pantos for many years. Once again it is written and directed by comedian and Radio Wave star Tom Bright. Aladdin opens on December 12 and runs to January 5 with tickets from £5. Call the box office on 290190 for more details.