Radio Wirral presenter, Del Willden, is set to play Widow Twankey in Aladdin this December despite COVID-19 causing many other pantos to cancel.

It’s been two years since radio star Del took park in ITV reality show ‘The Big Audition’, where he competed for the role of new dame in Sleeping Beauty.

Since then he has played Fairy Green in Sleeping Beauty and Cinderalla’s Ugly sister, Darwen, in the Stageworks Worldwide Productions show at Blackburn's King George's Hall.

Now he is set to perform at The Globe Theatre in Blackpool despite coronavirus causing many other pantos to cancel.

Del said: “When COVID-19 hit I thought it wasn’t going to go ahead. I was so pleased when I received the call from Stageworks Worldwide Productions to say it was.”

He added: “The arts have suffered so much as have all the wonderfully talented folk involved in the industry. It's great to see a small sense of normality heading back.”

COVID-19’s impact on theatres has seen venue closures and cancelled shows, however, this year’s panto at The Globe Theatre in Blackpool has been given the go ahead for audience members to attend, subject to any future changes to restrictions.

Del said: “They have worked so hard to ensure very strict COVID-19 rules and guidelines are in place making sure the place is safe for all who will be attending.”

Del will be heading back to Blackpool to start rehearsals on November 9 before shows start on the November 21.

Shows will run until December 24 and you can buy tickets here.