A soap star whose villainous performance is delighting audiences at this year's Theatre Royal panto fulfilled a life-long dream by joining a Formula One legend at a world-renowned car factory.

Eastern Daily Press: Motorsport fan and Abanazer actor Rik Makarem looking at the iconic Formulas One cars at Classic Team Lotus. Picture: Norwich Theatre RoyalMotorsport fan and Abanazer actor Rik Makarem looking at the iconic Formulas One cars at Classic Team Lotus. Picture: Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Norwich Theatre Royal)

Actor Rik Makarem, who played Nikhil Sharma in ITV's Emmerdale, is currently starring as baddie Abanazar in Norwich Theatre Royal's Aladdin.

But yesterday the former television star swapped the magic carpet for a Formula One engine during a special visit to the Lotus factory in Hethel.

The actor, who is a self-confessed 'Formula One nerd', met motoring hero and former Lotus driver Martin Donnelly.

Mr Donnelly gave the panto star a crash course in how to handle a car at 120mph and gave him a generous rating of 8.5 out of 10 for his driving skills.

Eastern Daily Press: Martin Donnelley takes the wheel to give Abanazer actor Rik Makarem a fast and thrilling spin around the Hethel test track at 140 mph. Picture: Norwich Theatre RoyalMartin Donnelley takes the wheel to give Abanazer actor Rik Makarem a fast and thrilling spin around the Hethel test track at 140 mph. Picture: Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Norwich Theatre Royal)

The actor said: 'I truly am obsessed with Formula One which is probably unhealthy. I won't go for a Sunday dinner with my family or friends if the Grand Prix is on and the Lotus name is so iconic.'

Eastern Daily Press: Abanazer actor Rik Makarem looking at the iconic Formula One cars at Classic Team Lotus. Picture: Norwich Theatre RoyalAbanazer actor Rik Makarem looking at the iconic Formula One cars at Classic Team Lotus. Picture: Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Norwich Theatre Royal)

Eastern Daily Press: Abanazer actor Rik Makarem at the wheel of the Lotus Elise Sport 220 on the Hethel track. Picture: Norwich Theatre RoyalAbanazer actor Rik Makarem at the wheel of the Lotus Elise Sport 220 on the Hethel track. Picture: Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Norwich Theatre Royal)

Eastern Daily Press: Abanazar from the Theatre Royal's panto Aladdin, played by Rik Makarem, with some brand new cars during his visit to the Lotus factory at Hethel. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAbanazar from the Theatre Royal's panto Aladdin, played by Rik Makarem, with some brand new cars during his visit to the Lotus factory at Hethel. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)