Television personality Kerry Katona is to star in this year’s Christmas pantomime at the New Theatre Royal, Lincoln, it has been announced.

She returns to the Lincoln stage as Ugly Sister Botox in Cinderella, which runs from December 6 to January 8.

“I am super excited to be back at the beautiful New Theatre Royal Lincoln,” said Kerry.

“It was the place where I did my very first panto, and I am utterly grateful to be returning. I can’t wait to see the crowds again, and for everyone to see the show.

“And I’m doing it with my daughter too, which will be amazing!”

Kerry shot to fame in the all-girl group Atomic Kitten, who had hits with Eternal Flame, The Tide Is High, and Whole Again.

Since then, she has been the focal point of three MTV reality shows, was crowned Queen of the Jungle on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2004 and finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2011.

She also proved popular with Lincoln audiences when she appeared in New Theatre Royal 2016 Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, as the Fairy Godmother.

This year, the role of the Fairy Godfather will be split between two recognisable faces.

From December 6 to 24, the role will be performed by Scunthorpe’s Jake Quickenden, who proved a hit with audiences as Flash Hugo in last year’s Beauty And The Beast pantomime.

And from December 26 to January 8, the role will be performed by Strictly Come Dancing legend, Ian Waite.

Jake said: “I’m so excited to be back in Lincoln. Last year was amazing and the crowds were incredible. It’s one big family at the theatre too, so when the opportunity came round to perform in Lincoln again, I jumped straight on it, it feels like my hometown, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Jake broke on to television screens on The X Factor in 2012 and 2014 and finished runner-up on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2014, and won Dancing On Ice in 2018.

Ian performed on the BBC show for eight series, and subsequently went on to feature on It Takes Two with his own segment Waite’s Warm Up.

He also toured alongside fellow Strictly professional Vincent Simone in The Ballroom Boys and The Ballroom Boys ACT 2, both of which visited the New Theatre Royal.

He said: “I’ve performed at the New Theatre Royal Lincoln several times over the years, and the audiences have always been wonderful. So, I can’t wait to see everyone again when I cha-cha my way on to the stage this festive season.”

Joining the celebrity-lined cast will be comedian Patrick Monahan, as Buttons.

Patrick has toured stand up shows across the globe, he featured on TV’s Pointless Comedians, and was the winner of ITV’s Show Me The Funny.

Making her New Theatre Royal debut as Baby Botox is Lilly McFadden, daughter of Kerry Katona and Brian McFadden.

But that’s not the only family affair. New Theatre Royal’s artistic director, Natalie Hayes-Cowley will star as Ugly Sister Filler, with daughters Georgia and Charlotte featuring as Cinderella and Baby Filler, respectively.

Wrapping up the cast are Arran Wilson as the Wicked Stepmother, who starred as Bagheera in New Theatre Royal’s The Jungle Book earlier this year, and Jack Barnard as Prince Charming and Dan Badrick as Dandini, who are both new to the New Theatre Royal stage.