The Kings Theatre Portsmouth have announced that Grant Urquhart - of First Dates fame - will star as Prince Charming in their upcoming pantomime, Cinderella, which runs at the venue from 2-31 December.

Urquhart, who features as a charming senior waiter on Channel 4’s hit show, will be showcasing his talents in this year’s production, alongside ‘Search for Cinders’ winner Michelle Antrobus.

His dashing good looks and funny quips have won him a legion of fans who tune in to watch the young heartthrob in action every week in his quest to help single people find love.

Grant is a seasoned performer having trained as an actor and singer at the renowned Italia Conti Academy.

His previous on-stage exploits include wowing audiences in his role as Silly Billy in Beauty & The Beast at The Cresset Theatre in Peterborough last year.

Grant said: “I’m so excited to be joining this this incredible production. The story of Cinderella is a childhood favourite of mine and playing Prince Charming is a dream come true.

“This is a wonderful theatre with such a rich cultural history - I can’t wait to swap serving tables of loved up couples -and start serving up memorable performances for panto goers this year.”

The production will also feature all the Pompey Panto favourites - Jack Edwards as the crazy and unpredictable Fairy Godmother, born to be bad Julia Worsley and Harry Howle as the Wicked Stepsisters, Ben Ofoedu as Dandini and Peter McCrohon as the Fairy King, and the side-splittingly funny Joe Rowntree as the lovestruck Buttons. 

Sean Smith, who had previously been cast in the role, has now left the production to pursue a new venture – he leaves with best wishes from the team at The Kings Theatre.

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