Former EastEnders star Anita Dobson is set to be on stage in the city for a pantomime performance of Aladdin.

Anita will play the villainous Abanazar in the pantomime at The Brighton Centre in Kings Road over the Christmas period.

The 73-year-old was in last year’s show which was postponed due to fears over the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Aladdin will have ten performances between December 22 and December 27.

The Argus: Anita Dobson at Christmas Market light switch on last yearAnita Dobson at Christmas Market light switch on last year (Image: The Argus)

A spokeswoman for Brighton Christmas Festival said: “Exciting cast news!

“We're thrilled to announce that the legendary Anita Dobson has agreed to come back and play the villainous Abanazar in our exciting upcoming panto, Aladdin.”

BBC Sussex's Allison Ferns, girl group The Sundaes and children's TV star Carl Tracey were also due to take part in the show last year.

Ticketholders for last year’s shows were told their tickets are still valid for this year.

The Argus: Anita will play AbanazarAnita will play Abanazar (Image: The Argus)

Anita Dobson switched on the lights for Brighton’s Christmas Market last November.

Anita, who was in EastEnders in the 1980s, came on stage shortly after 6pm to switch on the lights for the market.

The inaugural market and festival in Brighton last year faced criticism after being plagued by a series of issues and complaints due to noise.

Organisers E3 events said this year’s Christmas market will be “bigger and better”.

Tickets for the pantomime can be bought on Ticketmaster.