A RISING star from Bolton has got her dream stage role after being snapped up to play the leading lady in this year's pantomime.

Carrie Louise Hobson beat 42 other local women to the part of Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk at open auditions.

Theatre production company Fame Factory Spotlight said it chose Miss Hobson because of her "amazing vocals" adding that her "personality shone through" during auditions last month.

Miss Hobson will join Coronation Street's Graeme Hawley, Emmerdale and Casualty star, Chelsea Halfpenny and TV favourite, Tam Ryan on stage at the Premier Suite at the Macron Stadium.

Rochelle Ayris plays the lead role of Jack, and legendary comedy double act The Patton Brothers will bring traditional slapstick humour.

Bolton Wanderers' mascot Lofty the Lion will also take on a starring role in each show.

Miss Hobson, from Farnworth, said: "I'm delighted to be playing Jill. Like many girls I have always wanted to be a Disney princess and this is the next best thing."

Miss Hobson, aged 22, attended Harper Green School before studying musical theatre at Pendleton College.

She also spent six months touring Australia as part of a girl band called The Violets.

She said: "I've always loved singing but decided I wanted to do it as a career when I started having singing lessons when I was 14. I was in a vocal choir and loved it. I'm a singer first, actress second, but I love the fact I can do both in the panto. I can't wait to start rehearsing."

Thirty eight shows are lined up throughout December and January.

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