COMEDIAN and actor John Thomson has replaced Coronation Street actor Beverley Callard in this year’s Rhyl pantomime, after she suffered an injury.

Callard, best known for her role as Liz McDonald in the ITV soap, was due to play the role of the Wicked Stepmother in the Pavilion Theatre production of Cinderella.

But she has been forced to pull out after sustaining a shoulder injury, saying she was “devastated” to miss the show.

“I have an unexpected shoulder injury and have to have surgery which means I’m sadly not going to be able to perform in this year’s panto which I’m devastated about,” Callard said.

“It’s a great fun cast, and I was so looking forward to working with them all. It will be a great show.”

Her replacement is fellow Corrie actor John Thomson, famous for his roles in beloved series Cold Feet, The Fast Show, and Men Behaving Badly.

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Thomson will play the role of the Baron.

Rehearsals for the pantomime begin this week, in preparation for the opening night on December 7 – the pantomime runs until December 31.

Jamie Groves, managing director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “Everyone at DLL is sad to hear this news and would like to wish Beverley a speedy recovery.

“Beverley Callard is a fantastic talent, her presence will be greatly missed, and we wish her all the best.

“In the meantime, we are thrilled to welcome comedian and talented actor John Thomson to the theatre, and we look forward to a wonderful panto season.”

Tickets for this festive treat are available now - grab your tickets via the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre website or by calling the box office at 01745 330000.