Amanda Holden cast in Palladium's Cinderella

Amanda Holden is to join the cast of the upcoming production of Cinderella at the London Palladium this Christmas.

The actress will star as The Fairy Godmother, alongside the previously announced Paul O'Grady as The Wicked Stepmother, Julian Clary as Dandini, Lee Mead as Prince Charming, Paul Zerdin as Buttons, Nigel Havers as Lord Chamberlain and Count Arthur Strong as Baron Hardup.

The Britain's Got Talent judge has previously starred on the West End in Shrek, where she played Princess Fiona, and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role in Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Holden said: "It's an absolute honour to have been asked. I'm very excited but nothing like my two girls who can't wait to watch their Mama fly!"

Cinderella will be the first time pantomime staged at the London Palladium in 29 years.

Veteran pantomime producer Michael Harrison will direct the show, which will be co-directed and choreographed by Andrew Wright (Mrs Henderson Present, Singin' In The Rain).

Cinderella will run at the London Palladium from 9 December to 5 January.