DANCING On Ice and X-Factor star Ray Quinn returns to his native Liverpool to play Aladdin in the Empire theatre's pantomime later this year.

The 26-year-old entertainer - whose began his career on Channel Four soap Brookside and releases his second album next year - will take to the stage from December 13 to January 4.

Also in the cast are fellow ex-Brookside star Claire Sweeney as the genie, Leanne Campbell as Princess Jasmine, Wirral-based Radio City presenter Pete Price as the Emperor and Wallasey's Roy Brandon as Widow Twankey.

Ray was cast as the lead in the Empire's festive production of Peter Pan last year.

Talking to the Globe in the theatre's Ambassador's Lounge on the panto's launch day this week, he said: "It's a real privilege to be asked back.

"It's the theatre in my home city. It's unusual for them to ask the same people back for panto. I had a great time in Peter Pan. Panto is so much fun to do."

On co-star Claire Sweeney, Ray said: "We go back even further than Brookside. She was a family friend and used to hold me as a baby. So it's great to be working with her."

His new EP is released on Monday and he returns to the city's Cavern Club on October 30 for An Evening with Ray Quinn - a pre-album tour previewing his soon-to-be released second album Old Soul; Young Blood.

The London-based father of one said: "last time I was at the Cavern I was presented with my own brick on the wall outside The Cavern, taking my place alongside Ken Dodd and Cilla."

Ray first came to fame in 2003 as teenager Anthony Murray on Brookside. After finishing school he studied performing arts at Merseyside Dance and Drama College.

Two years into the course he took part in the show that would change his life - The X-Factor. His debut album, Doing It My Way - inspired by his love of swing music - was released in 2007.

It's been a busy year so far. It started with dancing his way into the finals of Dancing On Ice and was folliowed by various musicals and television series.

He has also finished work on gangster film The Middleman, which is due for release next year. On making the leap onto the silver screen, he said: "It's going to be great watch and was fun to do. It's based on a real-life story."

The new album Old Soul; Young Blood is out soon and has soared into the charts at number two on iTunes pre-order.

Ray said: "In terms of music, I'm an old soul. I love all the old music, it's something that stems from my childhood. It was always being played in our house and I love singing it.

"Charlie Chaplin wrote 'Smile' many years ago, but it's a beautiful song which means so much to me, so it's on the album.

Looking forward he said: "I'm going to be quite busy over the year.

"I'm happy that I've had the chance to do so many things in my career. I love this business; the best thing about it is that people keep on smiling."

Tickets for Aladdin are from the box office on 0844 871 3017 or online at www.atgtickets.com/liverpool