Sheridan Smith is set to star in 'This Morning's Christmas pantomine.
Sheridan Smith
The 39-year-old actress will be one of the big-name celebrities who makes an appearance in ITV's daytime panto, which is geared towards bringing work to those in the theatre and creative industries.
Sheridan, who will play Peter Pan in the production, said: "The whole theatre and creative industries have been devastated by the virus and lockdown. Hopefully doing this Panto with 'This Morning' will provide some of these people much-needed work and give everyone some hope and laughter for better times to come."
The upcoming production will also star Joanna Lumley as a wicked step-mother.
Looking forward to the panto, the 74-year-old actress explained: "All of us who appear in front of the audience are painfully aware of the desperate situation of everyone who makes shows and plays happen: the chorus and crowd artists and dancers ... and then backstage, choreographers and chorus masters, props and costumes and dressers, and writers … the list goes on and on.
"To be able to help them in any small way is a privilege and a pleasure; and I am thrilled that we shall be paying tribute to them in this sensational one-off pantomime. They don’t get any of the financial help that is being dished out across the country; so we must do our very best for them now when they need us most."
ITV bosses have described the production as a "mash-up" featuring characters such as Aladdin, Dick Whittington and Snow White.
The show will feature Holly Willoughby as Cinderella and Phillip Schofield as her best friend Buttons.
The production will also include the likes of Christopher Biggins, Dr Ranj, Gyles Brandreth, Lisa Snowdon, Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.
Christopher said: "I’m thrilled to be part of the 'This Morning' Panto. In these uncertain times, where productions are being cancelled all over, it’s good to be giving the country a pantomime that they can laugh at and find Christmas joy."
'This Morning's panto will air Friday, December 11, from 10am on ITV.
Tagged in Holly Willoughby Phillip Schofield Sheridan Smith