EastEnders and Casualty stars are enjoying both the magic of panto and Norwich as they rehearse for this year's Theatre Royal show. 

Amanda Henderson, best known for playing Casualty's Robyn Miller, is back for her second Christmas after having audiences in stitches as an Ugly Sister in 2019's Cinderella.

Norwich Evening News: We sat down for a chat with Dayle Hudson and Amanda Henderson. We sat down for a chat with Dayle Hudson and Amanda Henderson. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

This year's panto is Jack and the Beanstalk and she will be swapping scrubs for spots as she stars as Pat the Cow  - who hates being milked but loves turnips. 

She said: "I got a message from Stephen Crocker [chief executive] saying he would love for me to come back and I was delighted. 

"First an Ugly Sister and now a cow - I am going to get a complex!

Norwich Evening News: Amanda Henderson as an Ugly Sister in Cinderella. Amanda Henderson as an Ugly Sister in Cinderella. (Image: smile@richardjarmy.co.uk)

"Casualty is death and drama so it is nice to come to Norwich for absolute silliness and fun." 

It has been a big year on the show for Henderson, which has included Robyn undergoing IVF and struggling with being a single mum on a nurse's wage. 

She added: "Casualty is trying to reflect true stories in the NHS and is doing a really good job." 

Norwich Evening News: Amanda Henderson stars as Pat the Cow. Amanda Henderson stars as Pat the Cow. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Dayle Hudson, who recently left his role in EastEnders as Peter Beale, is making his pantomime debut as villain and giant's assistant Nightshade and he plans to play him like an "absolute pig". 

Speaking about his highlights on EastEnders, he said: "The sleeping with Suki storyline was fun but it was when the two-metre rule was in place so wasn't as juicy as it could have been. 

Norwich Evening News: Dayle Hudson plays Nightshade in the panto. Dayle Hudson plays Nightshade in the panto. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"Since restrictions lifted I liked my final block of scenes as I could use my voice and physicality how I wanted to."

On spending Christmas in Norwich, he added: "It is stunning and everyone is so happy - I'm excited to try all the food places." 

With Jack, played by comedian Joe Tracini, faced with slaying the giant in the panto we asked both soap stars the three characters in their respective shows (dead or alive) who they would enlist to defeat the beast. 

Norwich Evening News: Amanda Henderson and Dayle Hudson star in Jack and the Beanstalk. Amanda Henderson and Dayle Hudson star in Jack and the Beanstalk. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Hudson said: "Phil Mitchell, Shirley Carter and Johnny Allen."

Henderson said: "Jan Jenning, Connie Beauchamp and Lily Chao."

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from December 10 to January 7 - buy tickets at norwichtheatre.org