He has just joined the cast of EastEnders, but actor Stefan Booth left Walford behind for Lowestoft yesterday to launch the town's Christmas panto.

He has just joined the cast of EastEnders, but actor Stefan Booth left Walford behind for Lowestoft this week to launch the town's Christmas panto.

Mr Booth, who has also starred in Hollyoaks and The Bill, will play Prince Stefan in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Marina Theatre this winter.

It will mean a break from filming the soap, in which he plays Tanya Branning's fiance Greg. His first scenes are due to be aired early next month.

Joining him in the panto cast is comedian and former Big Breakfast reporter Mike McClean and Nikki Kelly, best known for her role as yellow coat Sylvia in Hi-De-Hi.

'I think panto is important, it's at the centre of communities because there's so much ethos that gets carried in a panto, if done properly,' said Mr Booth.

'I think it's really great when a kid can turn up and watch people really interact as a unit.'

Mr Booth said that although he enjoyed playing the romantic lead, he was secretly eyeing up the evil roles.

'I envy the people that get the baddy roles that they can really sink their teeth into,' he said.

Mr McClean had some advice for Snow White ahead of the show.

'Just don't eat the apple,' he said.

'After all those shows she's still eating the apple. It's her own fault. Just move on to oranges. There's a bowl full of different fruit.'

Victoria Scott, from Ipswich, will play the eponymous heroine.

• The panto runs from December 11 to January 3 and tickets are �5 to �16.50. Call the Box Office on 01502 533200 or visit www.marinatheatre.co.uk