Scott Maslen to Lead Marlowe Theatre's ALADDIN

Scott Maslen, best known as Jack Branning from EastEnders, will star in Aladdin, this year's Marlowe Theatre pantomime.

Before his six-year stint in the BBC soap, Maslen played DS Phil Hunter for five years in ITV's police drama, The Bill. In 2010, he was a popular contestant in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

Maslen (42) returned to theatre last Christmas for pantomime in Bournemouth (his first). He played Abanazar - the same villainous role he will be playing in Canterbury.

The former model said: "It was hard work, but a lot of fun. It was good being back on stage again after so many years on TV, and I was keen to do another pantomime, especially a character like Abanazar - so great to get your teeth into!"

Maslen is good friends with fellow EastEnder Samantha Womack, who starred in last year's Marlowe Theatre pantomime, Jack and The Beanstalk. He said: "Sam was full of praise for the theatre and its audiences. She also enjoyed living in Canterbury for the show's run: in fact, she highly recommended it all!"

Phil "Mister Maker" Gallagher and Ben Roddy will be returning to The Marlowe for Aladdin; both were big successes in Jack And The Beanstalk, which was seen by more than 90,000 people. Gallagher will play Wishee Washee, while Roddy will once again play the dame: this time, Widow Twankey.

Aladdin runs at The Marlowe Theatre from Friday 28 November to Sunday 11 January 2015. For times and ticket details, call the Box Office on 01227 787787, or go to marlowetheatre.com.