EMMERDALE actress Sapphire Elia will star in the title role in this year’s magical family panto Cinderella, at the Palace Theatre.

Best known for her role as the feisty Mia Macey in ITV’s hit soap opera Emmerdale, Sapphire is a popular face on UK TV screens with roles in ITV’s musical series Britannia High (which also showcased her impressive vocal talents) and Sky One’s football drama Dream Team.

Sapphire’s acting career began at an early age playing the role of Young Cosette in Les Miserable in London’s West End and has since seen her take on further stage roles including Cecily Cardew in Noel Coward’s The Importance of Being Earnest and numerous feature films including I am Vengeance and Undercover.

Sapphire has played many of Pantoland’s favourite principle girls including Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Princess Jasmine, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Belle in Beauty and the Beast but this will be her first time stepping into the iconic glass slippers of Cinderella.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said: “Sapphire is an outstanding talent; an exceptional actress with a beautiful singing voice. I know Redditch audiences will be rooting for our Cinders to make it to the ball and find her Prince Charming in this most magical of pantomimes”.

Cinderella runs from December 9 to January 5 2020.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk or via 01527 65203.