THE stars of the South Coast's biggest pantomime have arrived in Southampton ready to put the finishing touches to the festive magic.

Craig Revel Horwood, The Chuckle Brothers and Flawless appear in Mayflower Theatre's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which opens for previews tomorrow night.

And members of the large cast, which also includes teams of youngsters from The Lindsey Read School of Dance, have been locked in rehearsals in a city centre church all week perfecting their moves.

Director, choreographer and Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig plays The Wicked Queen.

He told the Daily Echo: "The company are fantastic, really really talented. This is definitely the biggest panto I've done and it's my ninth and we're really looking forward to playing to such a big packed theatre.

"It's always fun to play the baddie and we've added in lots of Strictly puns as well. It's a really great part and I'm really looking forward to it.

"It's a joy introducing children to live theatre, that has been my life really ever since I was a teenager. We cannot lose theatre to Play Station 4! It's great to get kids interacting, plus there's always a moral to the story and it's a day out for the whole family. That's why I love doing panto and it's not Christmas without it.

"I'm Australian and when I first came to this country I don't think I really appreciated how much goes into it. Performing in panto is a real skill and it's gruelling. Two shows a day six days a week - seven if you're doing Strictly as well! Still, it keeps me off the streets and keeps my weight down. I love Christmas and I think otherwise I would just be sat at home doing nothing but eating and drinking!"

There are no shows on Saturday to allow Craig to appear in the Strictly Come Dancing live final, which he thinks will be an open affair.

"It could go any way," he laughs. "There are four fantastic dancers remaining, my only regret is that Aston (Merrygold from JLS) isn't there, but that's the way it works.

"They have three dances each, so it should be an entertaining evening. The audience have all the say, so the pressure is off. I'm very much looking forward to it."

Craig, who has just completed a ten week West End run as Miss Hannigan in Annie, a show which be brought to Southampton two years ago, will star in the entire run of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which officially opens for press night on Monday and continues until January 7, 2018.

His one day off on Christmas Day will be spent cooking for 20 friends and family who are descending on the UK from all around the world in preparation for a series of ITV cooking show Craig's Devilish Dinners in 2018 and he is hoping Father Christmas will bring him a new hip!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will feature comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fab-u-lous costumes and stunning scenery. Throw in a magical mirror, seven friendly dwarfs, a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and plenty of audience participation as the goodies outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail in a glittering festive treat for all ages.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk