EastEnders legend Steve McFadden has signed on for a new panto role away from the soap. The Phil Mitchell actor is a regular on stage during festive season, and this year will be no different as he has signed up to star in Beauty and the Beast at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate.

He will take on the role of the baddie – who is sure to get boos aplenty – with the show set to run between 4 and 31 December.

Fans can book tickets now via the theatre’s website.

“We’re delighted to have Steve McFadden joining our panto cast this year, and to be working with the same fantastic team that have made our pantomimes such a success over the last five years,” said Royal & Derngate’s Deputy CEO (Programming and Producing), Holly Gladwell (via Northampton Chronicle & Echo).

“Christmas is such a special time of year and it’s always a joy to see so many children introduced to the magic of theatre.”

Evolution Productions’ Emily Wood added: “We’re thrilled the brilliant Steve McFadden will star in Beauty and the Beast.

“Steve is not only a TV legend and genuine national treasure, but he’s also a superb pantomime baddie. We know Royal & Derngate audiences are going to love him in what promises to be a spectacular show that’s definitely not to be missed.”

The casting comes after fellow soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street recently scrapped a reported rule that meant actors who wanted to do panto had to quit the TV shows altogether. However, cast members can now just take breaks, as long as they give notice with plenty of time in advance.

Also set to tread the boards this year is Emmerdale‘s Bradley Riches (Lewis Barton), who will play Peter Pan at the Sunderland Empire – something that would’ve meant quitting Emmerdale under the old soap rules.