Joan Collins to be a real panto bitch

Joan Collins has revealed she will be taking inspiration from her role as Dynasty superbitch Alexis Carrington when she stars in panto in Birmingham this year.

The 77-year-old's first role in the raucous world of pantomime will be as Queen Rat in Dick Whittington.

She told how her close friend Christopher Biggins encouraged her to take the plunge. "He's been pestering me for absolutely ages to have a go at panto," she said last night during a visit to the city to promote the show. "Because of Christopher I've been mulling it over for a few years.

"I think it's the right time. I will be an absolute monster - a part I know how to play very well."

Joan will have Keith Harris and Orville among her colleagues as well as Julian Clary and Nigel Havers, who plays her husband, King Rat.

The panto will be Joan's first time back in the region since her role in Full Circle at the same venue, the Hippodrome, six years ago.

"I was here for a week and I had great fun," she said.

"We went out to the cinema one night and getting a taxi was virtually impossible so I got the bus. It was the first time I got on a bus since I was about 17.

"The panto will be a new challenge for me. I'm not nervous - I don't get nervous.

"I will have a sing a song so that will be a challenge, but I just want to enjoy it."

Joan won her first acting job at the age of 17 but it was in Dynasty that she became a household name.

The series is currently being aired on Sky at 6pm daily, and Joan revealed she watches every one.

"I find it very interesting to look back," she said. "I don't find it strange at all watching myself on television."

The star is meeting with Dick Whittington's costume designer on Tuesday to help plan her three pantomime outfits. "I want to be the most glamorous rat the Midlands has ever seen," she said with a smile.

* Dick Whittington runs from December 18 to January 30. For tickets call 0844 338 5000 or see www.birminghamhippodrome.com

By Lucy Townsend