FORMER Coronation Street actor Nigel Havers will be starring in the Wyvern Theatre’s pantomime this Christmas – oh yes he will.

After three years of performances from Keith Chegwin, the venue announced today that Nigel will be filling the celebrity role in this year’s production of Dick Whittington.

Nigel, who is best known for playing love-rat Lewis Archer in the ITV soap, will be playing the role of King Rat from December 6 until January 4.

Wyvern Theatre director, Derek Aldridge, said: “It is a real coup for Swindon to secure a pantomime star of Nigel Havers’ stature for this year’s production of Dick Whittington.

“Nigel will no doubt bring a certain element of charm to the role of King Rat, which will make audiences love to hate the royal rodent.”

Last year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk, starring Keith Chegwin as Silly Billy, was the best selling pantomime in the theatre’s 42-year-history.

And this year’s show is set to be just as popular.

The Wyvern’s production of Dick Whittington will be brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning sets.

And in true Wyvern pantomime style, there will be plenty of audience participation too.

Nigel, who starred as the Sheriff in Robin Hood in Plymouth’s pantomime last year, will be joined on stage by Wyvern Theatre pantomime favourite, David Ashley.

David returns to Swindon for a fourth year after playing Ugly Sister Windy Wendy in Cinderella, Abanazar in Aladdin and Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Nigel has been a star of stage and screen for 40 years and is well-known for a variety of roles.

He has appeared in several films, including Chariots of Fire, Nicholas Nickleby, A Passage to India, and Empire of the Sun.

As well as numerous TV shows, including Little Britain, The Charmer, Don’t Wait Up, Brothers & Sisters, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and as himself on many shows including Who Do You Think You Are? and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here.

This summer, ahead of performing on stage in Swindon at Christmas, Nigel will star alongside Sian Phillips in a West End revival of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

Nigel Havers will star as King Rat in Dick Whittington at the Wyvern Theatre from December 6 until January 4.

l For tickets visit swindontheatres.co.uk or call the ticket office on 01793 524481