In a twist worthy of Walford itself, EastEnders villain Charlie Brooks—forever etched into fans’ memories as the devious Janine Butcher—is making a shock return… not to Albert Square, but to the Bristol Hippodrome stage in this year’s spectacular Christmas pantomime. And she’s not alone. Joining her is pop icon Will Young, beloved children’s TV legend Richard Cadell (and his mischievous puppet Sooty), drag sensation Ceri Dupree, panto veteran Andy Ford, and musical theatre talent Ashlyn Weekes in a festive frenzy that blends glamour, danger, nostalgia, and chaos.

The curtain will rise on Jack and the Beanstalk this December, but behind the smiles and stage lights lies a tangled web of old rivalries, childhood memories, dramatic returns, and unexpected reunions that feel eerily close to an EastEnders holiday special. It’s not just a panto—it’s a collision of worlds, and sparks are guaranteed to fly.

A Villain Reborn: Janine’s Christmas Curse

She’s conned her way through Walford, pushed people (literally) over the edge, and walked away from court cases with nothing but a smirk. Now, Charlie Brooks is stepping into another villainous role—this time as the Giant’s wife, Mrs Blunderbore, in this classic British fairy tale. But don’t expect a gentle, festive take from Brooks. Known for bringing twisted charm to every role, her portrayal is expected to be fiery, funny, and fearsome—a deliciously dark contrast to the sugary holiday setting.

Her casting alone has sent shockwaves through the EastEnders fanbase. Viewers who still haven’t forgiven her for her reign of terror on Albert Square are now queuing for tickets, eager to see if she channels Janine’s madness into the mythical world of Cloudland.

A Childhood Icon Returns… With A Puppet In Tow

If that wasn’t enough nostalgia, the show also sees the return of Richard Cadell—the man behind Sooty, the silent yellow bear who ruled kids’ TV screens for decades. In the panto, Cadell plays Silly Billy, the lovable fool, accompanied by Sooty’s cheeky magic tricks and silent but chaotic presence.

Cadell, who took over the Sooty legacy from Matthew Corbett in 1998, has kept the character alive for a new generation. But pairing him with the likes of Brooks and Will Young sets the stage for chaos, laughter, and emotional throwbacks, especially for 90s kids who grew up watching puppet hijinks on TV before diving into soap drama in their teens.

A Powerhouse Cast Reunites Under One Roof

Bringing further magic to the stage are Andy Ford and Ceri Dupree, two panto giants in their own right. Having last teamed up in 2023’s Peter Pan, the duo return to Bristol in full comedic force. Ford will play the lovable Farmer Trot, while Dupree takes on the iconic role of Mrs Trot, the outrageous and glamorous panto dame—and Jack’s ever-embarrassing mum.

Their reunion alone would be enough to draw crowds. But now, with EastEnders royalty and a literal pop idol thrown into the mix, this panto has transformed from a festive outing to a must-see entertainment crossover event.

Musical theatre fans, too, will be thrilled by the presence of Ashlyn Weekes as Princess Jill, the show’s romantic heart. With credits like Starlight Express under her belt, Weekes adds emotional depth and vocal power to balance the larger-than-life antics around her.

Behind the Curtain: Secrets, Rivalries and Family Fun

While on the surface it’s all Christmas cheer and magical beans, insiders say the cast dynamic is already proving to be a blend of cheeky banter, unspoken history, and star-powered competition. Will Young—known for his cool stage presence—will share scenes with Sooty, go toe-to-toe with Janine, and maybe even try his hand at some slapstick with Silly Billy. But with so many strong personalities on stage, who will steal the show—and who might just get upstaged?

Theatre director Ben Phillips teased the tension in a recent statement, hinting:

“Good, evil, glamour, comedy and family favourites… I’ll let you decide who is who.”

Was that a playful joke—or a clue that the roles might bleed into real life?

Fans React: “This Is EastEnders Meets Childhood TV”

Reactions have been pouring in from EastEnders fans and panto regulars alike. Many are calling the casting “a nostalgic fever dream,” with some joking that the Jack and the Beanstalk script better brace itself for a “Janine monologue” or a dramatic betrayal mid-show.

Social media is already ablaze:

• “Janine and Sooty in the same show? My brain can’t handle this.”

• “This isn’t a panto—it’s a crossover episode we didn’t know we needed.”

Mark Your Calendar – The Madness Begins in December

Jack and the Beanstalk opens at the Bristol Hippodrome on Saturday, December 6, 2025, and runs until Sunday, January 4, 2026. With ticket prices starting at just £15, this panto is expected to sell out quickly—especially now that it’s taken on the energy of a primetime soap twist.

You can book tickets at www.atgtickets.com/bristol, but be warned: once the first photos of Janine wielding a frying pan hit the internet, seats will vanish faster than Sooty’s next magic trick.

Final Tease: What Happens When Walford Villainy Meets Panto Chaos?

This isn’t just a panto. It’s a full-blown EastEnders multiverse moment, with childhood memories, stage legends, and soap drama colliding in a festive explosion of glitter, deceit, and belly laughs.

And as the Hippodrome prepares for its biggest Christmas show yet, one question remains:

Can even magic beans fix the madness that’s about to unfold?