From one strong female character to another – Only Fools and Horses star Sue Holderness is to play the role of the Wicked Queen in this year's Christmas pantomime.
The actress, who played Marlene in the classic BBC comedy, as well as in the spin-off, The Green Green Grass, is starring in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
She joined other members of the cast at the King's Lynn Corn Exchange to launch the show ahead of its start date on Friday, December 5.
The actress, 65, said this was her first visit to the town. She said: 'I have never been to King's Lynn before and it was the most extraordinary thing driving into the market square – it's breathtakingly beautiful.
'There are so many things I want to do here, like the Pilgrimage Trail. I'm extremely excited about it.'
Ms Holderness, who began her career in theatre, said she prefers pantomime to television work.
Her role as the Wicked Queen will be the eighth season she has performed in panto.
She said: 'There's nothing better than the sound of the theatre full of children's laughter, it's wonderful, even for the grown-ups.'
But she said that there may be a tiny bit of Marlene that may come out in her forthcoming role.
'Every now and then she might,' she revealed.
'But if it wasn't for Marlene I wouldn't be here doing this.' When asked about her time in Only Fools and Horses, she spoke of her great affection for the programme: 'It is actually 33 years ago today that it went out,' she said. 'But a lot of us are no longer here – the café man passed away last week.'
Sue then recalled how she and her husband used to visit the late Roger Lloyd-Pack, who had a home near Fakenham.
Joining her with this year's show are actress Hannah Boyce, as Snow White, and KLFM's Adam Newstead, as Hector the Henchman.
Ian Marr, who co-wrote the pantomime with Chris Jordan, will be starring as Dame Dotty.
He promised the pantomime will have 'good routines and cracking songs'.
He continued: 'We have a live band which will make a difference, but the main objective is to tell the story.'
Mr Marr said the cast will reassemble for rehearsals in November.
And he added that he will be trying to fit in some Christmas shopping in King's Lynn.
Adult ticket prices are £17-19 and £16-18 for children. Family tickets are between £48 and £72. The pantomime will run from Friday, December 5, to December 31, with day and evening showings. To book, call the box office on 01553 764864, or book online at www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
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