'Hollyoaks' star Uppal lands panto role

Hollyoaks star Stephen Uppal has landed the lead role in a production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

The actor, who plays Ravi Roy in the Channel 4 soap, will star in the pantomime at the Theatre Royal in Norwich from December 14 to January 16. It marks his first role since announcing his departure from the show in July.

Speaking to the Norwich Evening News, he said: "I'm really looking forward to starring in panto for the first time. It's going to be another new challenge for me and sounds like hard work but great fun. Let's face it, I've never climbed a beanstalk or battled a giant before!"

John Bultitude, Norwich Theatre Royal spokesman, added: "Ravi is very much one of the heroes of Hollyoaks and his poignant portrayal has made him one of the soap's best-loved characters.

"Now Stephen is taking on a brand new challenge playing a different kind of hero in pantomime and we are really excited to welcome him to the cast. Stephen is going to add even more star quality to this year's pantomime. As well as a high-profile Hollyoaks part, he has won some major theatre roles and is sure to prove popular with panto audiences here."