X Factor star withdraws from Hastings panto “until further notice”

The role of Mr Crust in Beauty and the Beast will be played by actor, singer and presenter John Partridge “until further notice.”

John said: “I am delighted to be appearing at the White Rock whilst dear Andy is unable to perform. I’m excited to be performing alongside a super talented company and can’t wait to meet Hastings audiences!”

John joins the previously announced cast Amelia Lily, Tim McArthur, Ben Watson, Jenny Perry, Richard Lock, Nathan Routledge, Megan Lea, Patrick Cook, Lilly Tether and Zach Loonie.

Spokeswoman Becky Martin said: “John is a British actor, singer, presenter, and writer, well known for being one of the UK’s West End leading men, appearing in more than 20 West End productions from Cats to A Chorus Line, Chicago to La Cage Aux Folles and many number one UK touring productions. Most recently he appeared in the National Theatre’s production of The Doncastrian Chalk Circle.

“A much-loved TV personality, John played the role of Christian Clarke in EastEnders for over ten years and has appeared on numerous reality shows including The Real Full Monty, Taking the Next Step and Over the Rainbow. More recently he was crowned Celebrity MasterChef Champion and 2020 saw the release of his debut book, There's No Taste Like Home.

“John has also worked with several rock and pop acts, including U2, Pet Shop Boys, Kim Wilde, Neneh Cherry, Pete Townshend, Mica Paris and Ultra Naté.”

Beauty and the Beast is produced by Imagine Theatre. It is written by Justin Fletcher and will be directed by Julia Cave with choreography from Darragh O'Leary. When an arrogant Prince is cursed to live as a beast his only hope of salvation is to find love before the last petal falls from a magic rose. When pretty village girl Beauty comes into his life, is this the chance he has been waiting for?

Tickets at whiterocktheatre.org.uk. The show runs from December 15-31. Times vary. See website for details.

Prices from £20. The cast is: Enchantress – Amelia Lily; Mr Crust – John Partridge (until further notice); Billy Pastry – Ben Watson; Nanny Pastry – Tim McArthur; Beauty – Jenny Perry; Bear Botemme – Nathan Routledge; Beast/Prince – Richard Lock; Ensemble/Dance Captain – Megan Lea; Ensemble – Patrick Cook, Lilly Tether and Zach Loonie.

Andy had been looking forward to his Hastings stint.

Speaking last week, he said: ““It all started because I went to see Chico (who reached The X Factor quarter-finals in 2005) in Aladdin. I saw all the cameraderie on stage and I saw the fun that they were having and I thought to myself I would like to do that. Chico was very flattered – just as he always hooks onto anything that he thinks he's the cause of!

"And then a company got in touch with my agents and the first one I did was at Weymouth in 2013. I jumped in at the deep end."