Blackburn panto chooses star after ITV audition

Del Willden was chosen as the dame for the 2018 King George’s Hall panto, Sleeping Beauty, after appearing on ITV’s talent show The Big Audition.

The show follows a series of hopefuls as they showcase their talents in front of a panel of judges as they hope to land their dream role.

The 52-year-old former flight attendant from Wirral impressed the judges with his quirky performance in Blackpool, and left them in good spirits as they talked about his audition.

Del in his days as a flight attendant

He said: “It was a very long day but good fun. We got to chat to lots of other people auditioning for other parts. There were eight of us auditioning for the dame role.

"I’ve never been to Blackburn before. I’m looking forward to performing there, being a northerner myself I’m sure it’s a friendly and interesting place. I hope to meet some of the locals.”

On the panel to impress, were the judges from Stageworks Worldwide production company which has produced King George’s pantos for 20 years.

The former flight attendant entered the audition wearing a bright pink wig, and immediately addressed the judges, by saying ‘I know what you’re thinking.’

After the audition, the judges agreed he was not perfect but was on the right path.

Judge Alexa Robinson of Stageworks, said: “Del was great, he had a ‘happy go lucky’ attitude and was a pleasure to direct.

“Sometimes the dame character can appear crude but this is not what we were looking for, we wanted old school slapstick humour which is what Del brought to the audition. 

“ITV contacted us when they spotted our casting call audition advert for a dame.”

Del with Ruth Langsford

Sleeping Beauty will run from December 9 to 31.

Mr Willden has an alter ego, Beverly Macca. Bev’s social media following includes many celebrities, most of whom he interviewed at some point including, Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford, and Lorraine Kelly.

Del with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby