Gemma Atkinson to appear in panto

Former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson has signed up to appear in pantomime in Manchester.

Atkinson will play Peter Pan at the Opera House venue this Christmas. Cold Feet's John Thomson will play Captain Hook.

"I've been offered panto a lot but it is always down south," she told The Sun.

"I'd rather not do it than be away from my family at Christmas. This is 20 minutes from where I live."

She continued: "It's going to be great. I don't have to have acrylic nails, or hair extensions. I don't have to wear any make-up.

"I can just whack on my shorts and little green vest every day and get on with it. It's not glamorous at all. It is great to have a bit of change."