FORMER Eastenders favourite Cheryl Fergison will be on the Theatre Royal stage this autumn as The Wizard of Oz returns to the venue.

Following sell-out seasons over the last three years, Regal Entertainments’ enchanting production of the story arrives to the theatre this October.

Cheryl will swap Albert Square for the Yellow Brick Road as she plays the part of The Wicked Witch of the West.

She will join Charlotte Gallagher, who featured in Snow White and Peter Pan, as Dorothy and Radio City 2 – 105.9FM’s Claire Simmo as Glinda the Good Witch in the production.

The actress, who played Heather Trott in the soap, is no stranger to pantomime, having appeared in performances of Cinderella, Jack and The Beanstalk and Beauty and the Beast in the past.

Ahead of her return to theatre, Cheryl said: “I am so looking forward to coming to the Theatre Royal St Helens and being part of an amazing cast and crew of the Wizard of Oz this October. It is one of my favourite stories with a great message and is loved by all ages.

“I am looking forward to playing the Wicked Witch of the West. Baddies are always fun to play and a contrast from other characters I have portrayed in the past.

“I am particularly looking forward to performing for the audiences of St Helens and surrounding towns - see you in October.”

Tickets start at £10 to see the famous fantastic tale reawakened once more.

Chantelle Nolan, Theatre Royal manager added: “Cheryl is such an amazing actress and a real character so she is perfect for the role of the Wicked Witch of the West and the cast and I can’t wait to welcome her to St Helens. We know the audience will love her – when they’re not booing her that is.”

The Wizard of Oz runs from October 22 to 30 and tickets are on sale. For more information, visit: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com, like the 'St Helens Theatre Royal' Facebook page or follow @TheatreRoyalStH.