Britain's best loved magician's assistant Debbie McGee has stepped in to replace Britt Ekland in the panto Cinderella at Windsor's Theatre Royal, after the 1970s movie icon had to withdraw from the production for health reasons.

Debbie will taking over her part as Cinders' fairy godmother - an appropriate role after her years helping her late husband Paul Daniels perform his famous magic shows on television and on stage.

She and Paul have appeared together at Windsor in the past.

Since losing Paul Debbie has triumphed on Strictly Come Dancing, joining the famous show's arena tour.

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The team at the Theatre Royal has worked its own magic to get Cinderella on, despite lockdown. She will now be making her entrance at the ball fashionably late from Thursday, December 3, three weeks after lockdown forced to cancellation of its original opening date.

The Theatre Royal’s co-directors are Anne-Marie and Jon Woodley.

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Anne-Marie said: “We have been working hard on plans to reschedule this year’s pantomime. The Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has confirmed that rehearsals can go ahead during the lockdown period, so we are aiming to be back open just as soon as possible ... the curtain will rise once more and Cinderella shall go to the ball."

The show will also star Windsor regulars Kevin Cruise and 'dame' Steven Blakeley making their 11th appearance together in panto at Windsor - plus of course the great Basil Brush.

*During the panto's run socially distanced seating will be utilised and audience members will be required to wear masks throughout. Staggered arrival times and one-way systems will be in operation throughout the building, as well as an in-seat service allowing audiences to order drinks, snacks and merchandise.

Box office number is 01753 853888 or theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk