Soap stars treading the boards in panto is a well-trodden tradition but it took one EastEnders legend a little longer than most to dip her toe in the water.

Jessie Wallace, famous for playing Kat Slater on Albert Square, appeared in her first Christmas show in Hastings in 2015. Now she’s caught the bug and is preparing to star in Bromley this festive season.

The 46-year-old told News Shopper: “I did my first panto a couple of years ago in Hastings and I just wanted to dip my toe in the water and see what they are like.

“A lot of people in the industry that I know have always done them, especially Shane (Richie, her on-screen husband in EastEnders) and I had always turned my nose up at them, which I had no right to do because they are great fun.

“I loved Hastings and I did one last year with Shane, I played Maid Marian and had loads of fun, and this year I am playing the Evil Queen so I’m going to have even more fun.”

And while Jessie had heaps of experience acting on EastEnders, she said nothing compares to tough schedule of a stage show.

She said: “When you are doing TV it is completely different to theatre. I’m doing Death Trap at the moment and we are doing matinees nearly every day and it’s hard work, especially when you are touring.

“When you are in EastEnders it is a lot of sitting around sometimes and it’s a lot calmer.”

This year Jessie plays the Evil Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and it will be her first time playing a baddie in a panto.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve always wanted to play and evil character so I’m really going to get my teeth stuck into it.”

She added: “It is the first photoshoot where I haven’t had to smile – I’ve just had to give an evil look. I can’t wait.

“I’m going to love it. You just go with the audience – whatever they want to do, you just go with it.”

Jessie Wallace stars as the Evil Queen in the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, from December 2 to 31. Go to churchilltheatre.co.uk