A TOUCH of Emmerdale is coming to St Helens later this year when Kelvin Fletcher will be playing Aladdin on the Theatre Royal stage.

Best known for his role as Andy Sugden in ITV’s Emmerdale, Kelvin will lead an all-star cast when Aladdin flies in to St Helens Theatre Royal from Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, January 12.

Further cast to be announced shortly.

Kelvin became one of the leading and most popular characters in the hit ITV soap.

His character won the hearts of the nation and was widely regarded as one of the standout actors and was regularly involved in some of the show’s biggest storylines, winning Best Actor and Best Dramatic Performance at the British Soap Awards.

The star also recently participated in ITV’s The All New Monty: Who Bares Wins which saw a group of celebrities strip-off to raise awareness of the importance of early health checks in preventing prostate and testicular cancer.

He is also a guest reporter for the Channel 5 show Spring Time On the Farm.

Kelvin’s writing and directing credits include short film Gomez and the comedic play Doormen, which was performed at the Comedy Store and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Kelvin Fletcher said: “I am very excited to be joining the cast of Aladdin and can’t wait to spend Christmas with audiences of St Helens.”

St Helens Theatre Royal manager, Chantelle Nolan added: “We are thrilled to announce Kelvin as our leading man Aladdin, in what promises to be a high-flying adventure this Christmas. He was on our screens in one of the country’s biggest shows for 20 years and we are delighted to welcome him to St Helens.

“We still have plenty more cast announcements to come, so watch this space. And be sure to book your tickets to Aladdin early to guarantee the best seats!”

Tickets from £13 are available via the box office on Corporation Street, by calling 01744 756000 or on sthelenstheatreroyal.com.