IT may only be spring but those at the Palace Theatre are already planning ahead for this year’s family panto - Aladdin.

And it has been announced that EastEnders’ favourite Todd Carty, who has been performing in the Monty Python Musical Spamalot, will take on the role of Abanazaar.

The icon of British tv had his first major role playing Tucker in the BBC’s Grange Hill.

After that he co-starred with Nick Berry in The Black Velvet Band, however, he is best known for his role as central character Mark Fowler in EastEnders - a role he played for 12 years.

After that he went on to play PC Gabriel Kent in ITV drama The Bill, Ray Hallam in the Christmas Special of Heartbeat and Cameron Cook in the BBC’s Casualty.

He also made an unforgettable appearance in ITV’s prime time entertainment show Dancing On Ice.

A spokesman from the theatre said that Todd’s cast announcement is great news and just the first.

“The Palace Theatre promises another magical pantomime with stunning sets, costumes and creative choreography,” he said.

“This year’s production of Aladdin will be full of eastern promise and there may even be the odd flying carpet thrown in for good measure.”

The panto runs from December 9 to January 5 2014.

For more information, visit redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk