BIRMINGHAM Hippodrome has announced that actress and singer Jodie Prenger will star as Fairy Bow Bells alongside the previously announced cast John Barrowman, Steve McFadden, The Krankies and Matt Slack in the magical pantomime adventure, Dick Whittington.

Best-known for winning the coveted role of Nancy in the West End revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! through the BBC talent show I’d Do Anything, Jodie rose to fame singing for survival in front of a panel of famous judges, including John Barrowman, and millions of television viewers every Saturday night.

After a brief appearance in Les Misérables, Jodie went on to perform the role of Nancy to public and critical acclaim at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, winning the Theatregoers’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical.

In addition to her stage work Jodie appeared as Diane in the BBC series Candy Cabs.

She is a regular guest DJ for BBC Radio 2, came second in Let’s Dance for Comic Relief and joined John Barrowman on his self-titled album and accompanying tour, performing the love song ‘So Close’ from Disney’s Enchanted.

Most recently Jodie finished a lengthy UK tour in the one-woman musical, Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Tell Me On a Sunday and preceding that she starred in the title role of Calamity Jane on its UK tour.

Speaking about her role, Jodie Prenger said: “I’m so excited to be heading to Birmingham this Christmas and working with my old I’d Do Anything judge John Barrowman. We’ve been saying for years we should do another show together so to get the chance to do panto with him, Steve McFadden, the Krankies and Matt Slack is really exciting. I can’t wait."

Dick Whittington runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from December 19 until January 29.

Tickets from £15.50 can be booked on 0844 338 5000 or from birminghamhippodrome.com.