The Palace Theatre in Mansfield has revealed that the villain at this year’s Christmas panto, Aladdin, is to be a famous TV actor.

Philip Martin Brown has starred in nine series of hit BBC show Waterloo Road.

He plays the irritable Grantly Budgen, one of the teachers in the drama about a school.

Philip has also appeared in Minder, The Paradise Club, City Central, The Bill, Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders and Coronation Street on TV.

He will be playing Abanazar and said: “I love doing panto, there’s no fooling the kids. If it’s a bad show, they will let you know.”

Cultural services manager Andrew Tucker said: “It is exciting to have a baddie who will be known by family audiences, young and old alike.”

A Pay Now Save Now ticket offer runs until 29th August. Tickets are priced at £13.84, £12.81 for concessions and £47.15 for a family of four.

Call 01623 633133 or go to www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre