A star of hit show The Only Way is Essex has left fans disappointed and angry after he failed to make the opening night of his panto performance. 

Mario Falcone, who was due to appear in the Worthing Pavilion Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz, pulled out of the sold-out show at the last minute due to other “filming commitments”.

After being informed minutes before the performance began, angry fans took to Twitter to voice their frustration. One young admirer, Lucy Jones, tweeted: “@Mario_Falcone where were you at the panto?”.

Alice Martin warned: “You better be in the panto tomorrow – or I’m getting my money back.”

The 24-year-old shot to fame in 2011 in the reality show which follows a group of young socialites in their home county.

The show, which is described as “real people in modified situations”, is filmed with just days’ notice in an attempt to give a vague sense of authenticity.

A Worthing Theatres spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately Mario could not make it to the opening night and there is a possibility he may not be here for tomorrow’s performance.

“However he will definitely be at all the remaining shows, including a number of meet and greet events.”

The reality star, who plays the Wizard, appears for most of the panto on a pre-recorded video.

Towards the end of the performance he appears on stage for a brief speaking role.

A theatre spokeswoman said that the pre-recording was part of the script to make it look like the Wizard was broadcasting across Emerald City.

Mark Thomas, Mario’s manager, said: “Worthing Theatres were well away in advance of potential filming dates – we told them in November. He hopes to get away as soon as possible but will defi- nitely be there on Monday.”

Mario said last night: “I would just like to say to my fans that I am very sorry for not being able to make the first night.

“However, I am really looking forward to seeing everyone very soon.”

A Worthing Theatres spokeswoman urged any disgruntled customers to contact the venue.

She added: “We can arrange for anyone who didn’t manage to catch Mario in the panto to meet him at one of the meet and greet events.

“Alternatively we can try to arrange tickets for another performance later in the month.”

The panto runs until January 6, with tickets from £10.