Stars launch Birmingham Hippodrome panto

Comedian Brian Conley and Loose Women star Lynda Bellingham were in Birmingham to launch this year's pantomime at the city's Hippodrome theatre.

Conley returns to the city for his fifth panto in Birmingham, appearing as Buttons in a production of Cinderella, while Bellingham will play The Fairy Godmother.

"It's great to be back in Birmingham," said Conley.

"It's one of the greatest cities.

"It's the heart of the country and the people have great hearts. I'm really looking forward to it."

Bellingham has a career spanning 40 years and is also appearing in the stage show of Calendar Girls at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre from October 24 to 29.

Speaking about Cinderella she added: "I'm very nervous. I love panto, my children go every year.

"Cinderella is a great production. You have Buttons, Cinderella being gorgeous and the ugly sisters who make me look like Raquel Welch.

"The girls from Loose Women have advised me not to be too rude - or too loose. I'm hoping they're going to come and see it."