TV and radio comic and panellist Paul Merton is to bring his deadpan humour - and high heels - to Richmond's hilarious panto this year.

The award-winning panellist from Have I Got News For You and Just a Minute will appear as the 'beautiful' Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington.

Merton is returning to panto for the first time since 2018 when he received rave reviews for his deadpan dame in Aladdin in Wimbledon.

Merton said: "I'm thrilled to be appearing at Richmond Theatre as Sarah the Cook, portraying the most beautiful woman you have ever seen."

The story follows Dick Whittington as he seeks fame, fortune, and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor.

Can he outwit the evil rodent King Rat and free the city from his team of revolting rodents?

Steve Joyce, the manager of Richmond Theatre, said: "We are really pleased to welcome the talented Paul Merton to our beautiful Matcham Theatre.

"We are confident that Richmond audiences will love what he brings to the show, and we can't wait to see what he 'cooks up'."

The show is being produced by the world's biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes.

Its chief executive, Michael Harrison, said: "I'm delighted to be announcing such a talented comedian as the lead in our Richmond Theatre pantomime.

"Paul was last in panto for us back in 2018 and was an absolute hit with audiences and I know that he's going to bring a brilliant and extremely funny Sarah the Cook to our production of Dick Whittington this year."

Further casting will be announced later in the year.

Dick Whittington will run from December 9 through to January 7. Tickets are already on sale – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dick-whittington/richmond-theatre/