PANTO star Dean Gaffney wasn’t the only EastEnders actor to take to the stage at the Clacton’s Princes Theatre over the weekend.

Fans got two for the price of one after Dean and the rest of the Cinderella cast were joined by David Witts, who plays Joey Branning in the popular soap.

David turned up on the opening night because he is a friend of producer Neil Couperthwaite, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday.

Last year David played the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz at the Princes before going on to play the son of hardman Derek Branning in EastEnders.

On Saturday he took time to pose for photos with fans in the theatre bar.

“It was good to get along and see the show and to catch up with Neil on his birthday,” he said.

“It’s a great family panto and I urge people in Tendring to get along and see Cinderella – they won’t regret it.”

Assistant theatre manager Melissa Diplock said it was a surprise when David turned up.

“He seemed to have a great time and was happy to pose for photos,” she said.

“EastEnders fans that turned out to watch Dean ended up seeing two soap stars for their money.”

Cinderella runs until January 1. Tickets are £12.50 (£11 concessions, family £42) on 01255 686633 or at essex-live.co.uk.