EastEnders star Steve McFadden has a new panto role. The actor will play the villain in Beauty and the Beast. Performances run throughout December. This career move is happening after soap opera rules that allow stars to take short stage breaks without quitting their television roles. Keep scrolling to learn more.
EastEnders Star Steve McFadden Joins Beauty And The Beast Cast
McFadden will be playing the main villain in the production. Royal & Derngate has confirmed the casting. And they shared how excited they are to welcome Steve to their Christmas show. Holly Gladwell, the theatre’s Deputy CEO, said that the whole team is delighted to work with him again. Even Emily Wood from Evolution Productions has spoken about the casting. She said McFadden isnt only a familiar TV figure but also a natural fit for panto.
Calling him a great baddie with strong stage presence, she promised an entertaining show for the audience. Also, the panto will be at Royal & Derngate. Even the tickers were live after the announcement. So those who want to see can get their tickets at the theatre’s official website.
Soap Actors And Panto Rules Changing Across TV
Earlier, Emmerdale and Coronation Street had rules which didn’t allow the actors to do panto unless they left the TV show completely. However, now those rules have changed. And cast members are allowed to step away for short periods. But they do need to inform the producers well in advance.
That’s why a lot of performers these days are opting to do panto shows alongside their main roles. Bradley Riches of Emmerdale, aka Lewis, is the one who will be Peter Pan in the Sunderland Empire this year. We know that Steve has been on the roll with the show. The latest episodes were so good that fans couldn’t stop cheering his acting.
As we know, Nigel Bates had drowned in the bath due to his worsening condition. And that’s when Phil and Julie realised that he needs proper health care. So they decided to move him to home care. It wasn’t easy for Phil as Nigel was his best mate. Lately, Phil’s storylines also surround Mark Fowler Jr. He has lately stopped Mark from killing Ravi Gulati.
Even Grant Mitchell will soon enter the show. Meanwhile, how excited are you for Steve’s panto performance? Let us know in the comments section. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.