A PANTOMIME star who has been entertaining families in Bolton at this year's festive show has died.

Stephen Howe — one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella at the Albert Halls — was found dead on Tuesday morning.

Mr Howe, thought to be in his early 60s, had been staying in Bolton while appearing in the panto, which launched last month.

The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.

A veteran pantomime dame, he has appeared alongside his on-stage partner — Roger Darrock — for many years, performing across the country.

The sudden death of Mr Howe, from Telford in Shropshire, has left cast members including Stu Francis, Lucia Matisse, Aston Dobson and The Harper Brothers, in shock.

Duggie Chapman, the show’s producer, said: "We were very sad to learn that one of our pantomime cast members, Stephen Howe, passed away during the night.

"Stephen was a much-loved member of the cast and our condolences are with his family and friends at this time.

“Understandably, his co-stars are shocked but in true panto-style they would wish for the show to go on and we are working hard to find someone who can stand in at short notice.

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"We have performances running right through Christmas until January 4 and we are doing everything we can to ensure that these continue.

“Stephen was a veteran on the panto scene, together with his partner Roger Darrock, and it is very sad news for all who knew him.”

Short-term replacements were found to cover the roles of the Ugly Sisters at this morning and yesterday morning's performances and staff are now working to find stand-ins for the rest of the run.

Chris Cordingley, business development manager of the Albert Halls, said: "We share Duggie’s sentiments and would like to express our condolences to Stephen’s family.

"We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the cast and crew for pulling together during a difficult time and ensuring that the show does indeed go on.”