HOME AGAIN...

Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton gave a sneak preview of her starring role in this year's Christmas show.

The star sang the hit 2000 Kitten's single Whole Again on stage with a live band as a festive curtain-raiser for this year's panto.

Natasha told the Globe her two-year-old daughter Ella will be able to enjoy her first ever panto (oh yes she will).

Following what she called a fab "Scouse blow dry" at Herbert's salon and dressed in full sparkling red glamorous stage gown Natasha, who recently starred in Celebrity First Dates, said she can't wait to play Princess Jasmine.

She said: ''It will be great to be home again.

''It will a real joy to be sleeping in my home town bed.''

Wirral Globe:

The cast of 'Aladdin' during panto launch. Picture: David Munn Photography

Natasha, 35, will be joined by Wirral actress and popular panto favourite Lesley Butler, who plays the Empress.

''It's like a big family here at the Epstein,'' added Lesley currently starring in Life at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight.

She continued: ''I love the atmosphere of pantos. I am a big kid. I can't wait to be part of the family fun it creates.

''We set out to have a ball on and off stage.''

After a photo shoot and some Chinese food to fit in with the far Eastern theme of Aladdin, Natasha said the show works on two levels.

She added: ''The kids love the costumes, dancing and the songs and the adults love the naughty script by Michael Chapman who is also a great Widow Twankey.''

It's been a busy time for Natasha.

She quit smoking as part of Stopober in September and will soon film a Pointless TV special with Keith Chegwin with a panto theme.

Producer of Aladdin, Lee Kelly, also brings X-Factor and Big Brother reality stars to the Xmas stage.

Wirral Globe:

The cast of 'Aladdin' during panto launch. Picture: Bond Media Agency

He said he was very thrilled to have landed Scouse superstar Natasha for his spectacular show featuring a live band and dazzling choreography.

"I have been playing her songs non-stop in my car ever since we signed her up."

Aladdin, by LHK Productions now in their fifth residency at the venue, runs from December 8 to January 9.

Tickets are from the Epstein Theatre on 0844 888 4411.