IT’S panto season and popular children’s television presenter Katy Ashworth will be casting her festive magic in the Albert Halls this Christmas.

Katy appears as the fairy godmother in Cinderella, the first pantomime to be staged at the Albert Halls since it reopened following a multi-million pound transformation.

She headlines the cast in the all-time favourite fairytale, performing alongside David Heath, an X Factor finalist as part of boy band Eton Road, who plays Prince Charming and Cinderella, played by Charlotte Dacia.

Katy, who is a regular to Bolton having played a leading role in the Christmas lights switch-on and the food and drink festival, said: “When I found out I was going to do Bolton this year I was so chuffed because I have a real connection with this town.

“There are so many lovely people in Bolton and my meet and greets were just so lovely. I have to say one of the better places I have performed at. So I have a soft spot for Bolton. I’m loving it. I feel very at home here in Bolton. I’m excited for Bolton because I feel we have a really great panto to offer, it’s got such a good vibe about it.”

David said: "I love being here, it is such a beautiful building. The stage that they have built is amazing, it’s breathtaking, so magical. “Rehearsals have been fun."

Charlotte added: "Cinderella is such a fantastic role to play and it's lovely to be able to have that connection with the children in the audience because, at the end of the day, that’s what pantomime is for, it’s for children. We have decided to put little twists in a couple of bits of the show to try and make it more special and personal for the area.”

The panto opens on Saturday and runs until December 31.

For tickets visit www.quaytickets.com/boltonalberthalls or ring 0843 208 1851. They can also be bought at Bolton Library from 11am to 7pm each Thursday and from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays.