AN EASTENDERS star will be swapping Albert Square for panto in Bournemouth this Christmas.

Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell, will be performing as Fairy Bon Bon in the production of Beauty and the Beast at the Pavilion Theatre.

Emma has previously taken the lead roles in pantomimes and appeared on stage in Bournemouth as Roxy Hart in Chicago in 2009.

Emma said: “I am very much looking forward to returning to the beautiful Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth to be a part of this year’s spectacular pantomime production of Beauty & The Beast.

“I’ll be spreading some magic playing Fairy Bon Bon, a show not to be missed! Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the theatre. Look forward to seeing you all there.”

Emma joins panto favourite Noel Brodie as Louis La Plonk with further star casting to be announced.

Producer Martin Dodd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our 21st annual pantomime at the fabulous Pavilion Theatre and couldn’t be happier that Emma Barton has agreed to join our resident funny man Noel Brodie to ensure we have magic, sparkle and laughs in equal measure.

"This is the first time we have staged our new and award-winning production of Beauty and the Beast at the Pavilion and we know it is a sure fire crowd pleaser."

Beauty and the Beast is on from December 3 to January 2 with tickets and group discounts available from bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.