Swansea Grand Theatre have announced that Welsh singer, dancer and actor Ian “H” Watkins will headline this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella, alongside returning local legend, Kevin Johns, from Friday 14 January.

The Llwynypia-born star rose to fame as one fifth of the pop group Steps who were formed in 1997 and released four studio albums and produced 17 top-selling singles, including two number-one songs, two number-one albums and sold over 20 million records worldwide, receiving a BRIT Award nomination and toured alongside Britney Spears.

The much-loved band reformed in 2011 for a four part documentary series on Sky Living which culminated in a sold out 22-date UK tour, a further six-date Christmas tour and a brand new studio album, Light Up The World. The group most recently reformed last year to mark their 20th anniversary, releasing their fifth studio album Tears on the Dancefloor in April 2017, releasing the hit single Scared of the Dark, and a new UK tour, Party on the Dancefloor. In the summer of this year they will take to the road once again for their much-anticipated Summer of Steps tour.

Since their reformation, H carved a successful career in the world of musical theatre and acting with lead roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the West End and on UK tour, starred in Fame and numerous pantomimes, including the title role of Aladdin in Cardiff alongside Gareth Thomas. A regular on television, H was a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother, competed on Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds, Party Wars, Skins, The Chase and was a contestant on the BBC gymnastic competition, Tumble.

H will star as Dandini, the manservant of Prince Charming, alongside returning Grand Dame of the Grand, Kevin Johns as one of the Ugly Sisters, in a pantomime packed full of music, laughter, magic and plenty of audience participation produced by Qdos Entertainment, the creative team behind Swansea’s biggest pantomime.

Qdos Entertainment Managing Director Michael Harrison said: “We are all absolutely thrilled that H will be joining us this Christmas at the beautiful Swansea Grand. Not only is he a terrific singer and dancer, but he is an absolute natural at panto, bringing all the fun and local laughs we know the Grand audiences come to expect each year. We have plenty more casting and surprises to come and we can’t wait to bring the magic of another spectacular pantomime to the city.”

With tickets already selling fast, audiences shouldn’t leave it any longer to secure their seats for Swansea’s biggest pantomime. The clock is ticking, so book your tickets now!