A HUNKY soap star and Dancing on Ice champion is set to glide onto the stage at Redditch's Palace Theatre later this year.

Bringing a touch of swagger and cutting a dashing figure is actor and champion ice skater Sam Attwater who will be playing Gaston in this year's panto Beauty and the Beast.

Sam has been a regular fixture on our screens since his first foray into soap land in 2009.

He landed his first TV gig playing Ricky in the popular Chester-based soap Hollyoaks.

Following that, Sam became a regular on Eastenders, stepping onto the infamous Albert Square as East End bad boy and ladies’ man Leon Small.

From the dramas of the East End to Dancing on Ice, Sam took part in the sixth series of the skating show where he and his partner Brianne were crowned the winners.

Due to Sam's success on the show he was invited back for the final All Stars series in 2014.

The show's producer Paul Holman said: “I am thrilled to have such a talented and accomplished actor taking the lead at the Palace Theatre. His years of showbiz experience will bring flair to this fabulous production.”

Beauty and the Beast runs from December 5 to 31.

Tickets are available now from the Palace box office on 01527 65203 or redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk.