A FORMER Eastenders star has joined the cast for Poole Lighthouse's Christmas pantomime.

Known for his role as Mark Fowler in the popular soap opera, Todd Carty will join the cast of  Sleeping Beauty.

Todd will play the role of King Tucker in the pantomime which will be written and directed by CBeebies star, Chris Jarvis, who will also play Dame Nanny Nutkins. 

Todd said: "Lighthouse is well known for keeping it local and keeping it topical, which I think is a lovely touch. 

"Chris has a real mind for this. We’ve not worked together before, but I’ve run into him a few times on the circuit and he’s a lovely chap, very clever."

The news comes weeks after Todd performed at the Lighthouse in the 70th-anniversary tour of The Mousetrap. 

While he visited for the play, Todd said he was taken aback by the area and described it as a 'beautiful spot'.

He said: "I bumped into a few old friends who came to see The Mousetrap in Poole having moved to Dorset in recent years. They showed me around the area and I can see why.

"I’m sure to see lots of familiar faces and, of course, family will come down for Christmas.”

Tickets are available on the Lighthouse website.