CORRIE’S Ryan Thomas will make his panto debut in Cinderella at the Wyvern Theatre this Christmas.

The Salford-born actor will take on the part of Prince Charming and swoosh to poor Cinders’s rescue in this year’s anticipated pantomime.

Ryan burst onto television screens on Christmas Day 2000 in the role of Jason Grimshaw in the iconic ITV soap Coronation Street. He went on to play Jason for 16 years to great acclaim. Best known for romantic storylines involving several of the Street’s beauties, Ryan left Weatherfield last month in an emotional departure following the death of his on-screen father.

“I’m really excited to be making my stage debut in panto,” said Ryan. “I’ve seen so many former Corrie stars perform in pantomime over the years so to finally get the chance I’m absolutely thrilled, especially as my daughter will be able to see me perform live on stage.”

The soap star was named Rear of the Year in 2008. In 2012, he featured in the documentary Corrie Goes to Kenya with Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster in the series, and Sue Cleaver, his on-screen mother.

Ryan will star as Prince Charming alongside Swindon’s favourite Dame, David Ashley, who will appear as one of the Ugly Sisters. For his fifth consecutive Wyvern panto David will be joined by Louie Westwood in the role of the other Ugly Sister, and Victoria Farley as Cinderella.

Produced by One From The Heart in association with HQ Theatres, Cinderella will be brought spectacularly to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational songs and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery.

“I am delighted to welcome Ryan to Swindon where he’ll meet the best panto audiences in the country”, said theatre director Derek Aldridge. “Cinderella promises to be a magical production for all the family and, with 10,000 tickets already sold, looks set to be our busiest Christmas ever!”

Cinderella will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Saturday, December 10 2016 to Sunday, January 8 2017. Tickets are available from the box office on 01793 524481 or at swindontheatres.co.uk.