RISING singing star Amy-Jo Clough is looking forward to appearing in her first pantomime when Dick Whittington and his Cat opens in Blackburn today.

“I’ve choreographed pantomimes before for local productions near where I live,” said Amy-Jo, “but I’ve never been part of the show before. It will be really nice to be on the other side this time.”

Amy-Jo, 19, from Bolton-le-Sands will play Alice Fitzwarren in East Lancashire’s biggest family pantomime.

“I suppose I’m the love interest in the show,” she laughed, “but I’m really excited about being part of such a big show. It’s such a great opportunity for me to be able to show people what I can do.

“I love singing but I also love acting and dancing and in this show I’m getting the chance to do all three.”

Dick Whittington is being put on by Stageworks, the production team based at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, who have been responsible for the King George’s family show for many years.

“Joining a show like this is a great chance to meet some new people,” said Amy-Jo. “It will be a spectacular production. I can’t wait to see the reaction we get from all the youngsters in the audience when they come to see us. I want them to be singing along with me and having a great time.

“Pantomime is such an important part of Christmas, particularly for children, everyone just enjoys themselves and I can’t wait to be part of that.”

This year is one Amy-Jo will certainly remember.

In a short space of time her singing career has taken off. In the past she has appeared with the likes of Pixie Lott, Little Mix and Scouting for Girls and has supported both Alexander O’Neil and Rick Astley.

This year she was snapped up by the Incessant record label, part of the Universal Music group.

“We’re working on an EP first and then I’ll be looking at an album” said Amy-Jo. “The EP will be of original songs, I’ve always written my own material but since I got signed I’ve been co-writing which I’ve enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would.

“After Christmas I’ll be doing a lot of promotion and going out on tour, first in the UK then into Europe and I’ll also be doing a lot of festivals in the summer.”

Dick Whittington and his Cat, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, until Saturday, December 31. For performance times and tickets contact the box office on 0844 847 1664 or visit kinggeorgeshall.com