Ryan Thomas joins cast of Dick Whittington at Wolverhampton Grand

The former Neighbours and Coronation Street actor will star in the title role of the performance, joining the previously announced Hi-de-Hi stars Su Pollard and Jeffrey Holland, with comedian Aaron James and returning favourites Ian Adams and Julie Paton.

Salford-born Ryan burst onto television screens on Christmas Day in 2000 in the role of Jason Grimshaw in the iconic ITV soap Coronation Street, a role he played for over 16 years.

Since leaving the famed cobbles of Coronation Street Ryan went on to star in Australia’s hugely popular Neighbours as the mysterious Rafael Humphreys.

Ryan also appeared on the second series of Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, and on the final series of Celebrity Big Brother which saw him crowned the last ever winner of the reality television show.

Dick Whittington marks Ryan’s fourth pantomime appearance having made his debut as Prince Charming in Swindon in Cinderella, and two appearances as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Venue Cymru and Beck Theatre, Hayes.

Adrian Jackson, chief executive and artistic director of the Grand, said: “I am thrilled that Ryan Thomas is joining The Grand’s 125th Anniversary pantomime Dick Whittington, in the title role.

"He completes what is already an iconic line up and what will be a truly magical pantomime.”

The show follows hero Dick Whittington as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness to become the Lord Mayor of London.

Guided by the magical Fairy Bow Bells on an adventure that sends him from London town to the High Seas headed for Morocco, can he outwit the evil Queen Rat, free London from her team of rodents and win Alice’s hand in marriage?

The local partner for the show will be Dudley Zoo.

Dick Whittington will run at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre from December 7, 2019, to January 12, 2020.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.