ALBERT Square legend Adam Woodyatt is heading to Swindon from the East End for a role in this year’s Christmas pantomime.

The Wyvern Theatre has announced the soap legend, who portrays tormented father Ian Beale in BBC show EastEnders, will play The Wicked Queen’s henchman in the production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

In EastEnders, he was at the forefront of the recent cliffhanger live episodes which were broadcast to mark the series’ 30th anniversary.

Adam also regularly guests on TV game and panel shows and has hosted programmes such as Value For Money, Dreamhouse and National Lottery Live.

He is also no stranger to treading the boards and has starred in pantomimes for many years, including the Wyvern Theatre’s very own Mother Goose back in 1989, when he played Billy.

He said: “I absolutely love performing in front of an audience as it’s so different to camera - I love the reaction of the audience.

“I am very much looking forward to spending the Christmas season at the Wyvern Theatre, which I know has a reputation for staging outstanding pantomimes.”

Theatre director Derek Aldridge said: ““I am really thrilled that one of the nation’s best-known actors is going to spend Christmas at the Wyvern.

“Adam’s recent live performances have received widespread critical acclaim and now he’ll be in 50 totally live episodes of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

“Once again the Wyvern will be presenting a pantomime for the whole family packed with laughs, songs, dances, heroes, villains and the news that Adam Woodyatt will lead this magical show is very exciting.”

Elsewhere in the cast, David Ashley returns to Swindon for a fifth year after playing Ugly Sister Windy Wendy in Cinderella, Abanazar in Aladdin, Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk and Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will run from Saturday, December 5 until Sunday, January 3 next year.

Tickets are available via www.swindontheatres.co.uk or on 01793 524 481.