THE stars of this year’s Liverpool Empire festive pantomime have been revealed.

Benidorm favourites Tony Maudsley and Asa Elliott will be joined by much-loved Liverpool actor Louis Emerick as well as funnyman John Evans and X Factor finalist Niki Evans in this year’s production of Peter Pan.

Opening on December 7, this year's panto will run until December 29.

Taking a break from the Benidorm hairdressing salon, Tony will be swapping his curling iron for a mop to keep the Jolly Roger ship shape by playing Kenneth the Cabin Boy.

Wirral Globe:

Tony Maudsley as Kenneth the Cabin Boy (Picture: Phil Tragen)

Elsewhere Louis will star as Neverland’s most evil pirate Captain Hook while John Evans makes a welcome return to play ship-mate Smee in his third consecutive Empire panto appearance.

Asa will become Tiger Billy, the leader of the Neverlanders and Niki will shimmy onto stage alongside the boys as The Magical Mermaid.

Diane Belding, general manager Liverpool Empire told the Globe: “This year’s panto at the Empire brings a breath of warmer climes blown in from Benidorm, courtesy of TV stars Tony and Asa.

"Back by popular demand, local funny man John adds to the hair-raising thrills in their tussles with Louis’ ultimate baddy, Captain Hook.

Wirral Globe:

Louis Emerick as Captain Hook (Picture: Phil Tragen)

"Niki completes our star cast, bringing her glamour and big voice to the stage, in this not-to-be-missed show for all the family.”

Produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime company, Peter Pan marks the Empire’s third collaboration with the world’s biggest pantomime producers, having previously staged productions of Cinderella which starred Duncan James and Jodie Prenger, and last year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk which starred Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas.

For tickets call 0844 871 3017 or visit atgtickets.com/liverpool