For festive family fun this Christmas look no further than the New Wimbledon Theatre as Cinderella arrives into town in a pumpkin carriage.

You can’t have failed to notice the advertisements splashed around the town, boasting the all-star line up of Gareth Gates, Joanna Page and Alistair McGowen.

The Wimbledon Guardian has met all the cast so keep an eye out in the paper over the coming weeks and online for some backstage gossip!

First up, its Prince Charming himself, Mr Gareth Gates....

Despite having no acting experience Gates has signed up to six weeks of panto in Wimbledon and after that it has recently been revealed that he will take Lee Mead’s role in West End Musical, Joseph And the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!

Does the prospect of playing two principal characters on stage phase him?

“I was flattered they asked me to be Prince Charming, it never felt like the right time before but this time, I liked the sound of the challenge. For me having my stammer, acting was something I never thought I’d be able to do. I am looking forward to that side of things but a little bit nervous too if I am honest.”

To prepare for his role Gates draws upon techniques learnt as part of his speech therapy programme; “You basically learn a new way of speaking that is based on breathing. Keeping up the work is something I find hard to do. You achieve a level of fluency and become quite complacent.”

Gates has come a long way from the young singer the nation fell for on Pop Idol in 2002, coming runner up to Will Young (Pop Idol was X Factors predecessor for our younger readers!).

He has sold 3.5 million records, competed on the notoriously hard ‘Dancing on Ice’ and became the youngest UK person to qualify as a McGuire Programme speech instructor, something which he is proud of.

“I had to sit exams in order to qualify. The programme is designed for ages 16 and above. There is so much to learn and so many complex things to think about that you need to have a mature mind in order to be able to deal with the things people talk about. It is so rewarding, helping people is such a great thing.”

Despite taking a break from the charts, Gate’s life has always been about music; “I find music a great release in my speech. Not being able to speak meant my form of expression was always song. I was always playing the piano or guitar as a kid and now I’m always writing.”

His fans have stayed with him following the documentary ‘Whatever Happened to Gareth Gates’ and will be happy to see him debuting on stage; “I still have loads of fans that are still very active from the music days. We make sure that we do a lot for those guys on the website like video messages and keep in touch with what we’re up to. I’ve had some strange presents from fans, lots of underwear!” laughs Gates.

Sadly, Prince Charming has to disappoint his adoring fans - he married long term girlfriend Suzanne Mole in July this year and the pair have even more reason to celebrate with a baby on the way; “Suzanne is four and a half months pregnant, we find out very soon if it’s a boy or girl,” says Gates with a huge grin on his face.

Living in nearby Chiswick, Gates is looking forward to spending some time getting to know Wimbledon and with just one day off in the relentless panto schedule, will welcome his family from Bradford for Christmas day; “I’m a massive fan of Christmas and used to going home but this time family are coming to me which I’m not used to but sure it will be great!”

Being somewhat of a reality TV expert Gareth was shocked about the latest scandel to hit Strictly Come Dancing; “I love John Sergeant. That’s what show is about, people who are rubbish who have had no training becoming good, it makes the show I think. Lots if people have had dance training already which is unfair. Its the same with ‘Dancing on Ice’, I came on not being able to skate. I could move forward and stay on feet but to go from that to being able to lift your partner is great. It took hours and hours of training for 3 months leading up to show, then there was the show itself and the tour. The tour was just fun because I could skate really well by then.”

Who does Gareth tip for X Factor glory? "I am a massive Diana Vickers fan, she’s unique, she looks great and has a great voice. Its fun and nerve wrackng when you get to the last rounds. That’s when anyone could leave and it comes down to individual performance.”

And all Gareth wants for Christmas? “For the show to go well!” Bless!

The Wimbledon Guardian wishes Gareth the best of luck in his new role!

Cinderella at New Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway. From December 5 until January 18. Box Office 0870 060 6646 or www.newwimbledontheatre.co.uk