Anton Du Beke can barely conceal his excitement at appearing in his first panto in Richmond.

The Strictly dancer and judge will play Buttons in Cinderella and is convinced than panto will be a gateway to the mass return of audiences to the theatre.

Anton, who has been dubbed 'Mr Saturday Night', said: "I can't begin to tell you how excited I am, I can't wait to get stuck into it. And Richmond Theatre is just beautiful."

The dancer and presenter is enormously popular and his new role as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing this year has confirmed his position as one of the nation's favourite TV performers and personalities.

Anton's infectious enthusiasm guarantees that tickets for the show at Richmond Theatre, which start at £13, are certain to be in high demand.

He was been taking tips on his role in panto from fellow Strictly judge, Craig Revel Horwood, who has appeared in the Christmas shows for many years.

"I have been asking Craig for some advice, who is properly panto, and he said I must learn my lines," he said.

"It is a serious business and I don't want to be that guy who doesn't come prepared. I am really conscious about learning my lines and really doing it well and enjoying it."

The father of two young children said: "The great thing about panto this year is that it is going to be the gateway to theatre. I think next year in the theatre is going to be really exciting.

"We are going to have families back - children, parents and granny and grandad are all going to go to the theatre. They are going to be full and everyone is going to have a great time.

"Pantos are a wonderful thing to be part of, everyone knows the joy."

Looking forward to starting rehearsals, he told BBC Breakfast: "The Richmond cast are fantastic. There will be songs and a big production dance number."

He is joined by West End star Rosemary Ashe, who is no stranger to the spotlight having played Carlotta in the original cast of Phantom of the Opera and Felicia Gabriel in The Witches of Eastwick, which won her an Olivier Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical.

Cinderella will be played by Oonagh Cox, who has already appeared in Jonathan O'Boyle's The Wedding Singer and Matilda the Musical.

The Ugly Sisters are played by David Dale and Bobby Delaney with Edward Chitticks as Prince Charming and Jonny Weston as Dandini.

Cinderella will offer all the ingredients of the traditional panto with laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular dancing, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

The show runs from Friday, December 3, through until Sunday, January 2.

Bookings available here.