X FACTOR'S Stevi Ritchie will be the big-name star of this year's Princes Theatre panto in Clacton.

Stevi was a surprise hit on the TV talent show two years ago and made it all the way through to the finals as part of Simon Cowell’s team to finish in sixth place.

The over-25s wildcard entry went on to appear in last year's Celebrity Big Brother with fellow X Factor contestant and fiancée Chloe Jasmine Whichello.

Stevi, from Colchester, has also appeared in an episode of Keep it in the Family, Channel 4 game show Benchmark, Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women.

He is thrilled to have been signed up to play Chester the Jester in Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.

“I am really looking forward to coming to Clacton for the panto and it is just down the road for me which is great," he said.

"I will be close to home for Christmas and doing what I love – performing to a live audience.”

Theatre bosses are hoping Stevi's Colchester fans will make the trip to see him in panto.

Last year's Jack and the Beanstalk - starring Scott Robinson of boy band 5ive - enjoyed a string of sell-out shows.

Sleeping Beauty runs from December 10 to January 1. For tickets call the box office on 01255 686633.