A X-FACTOR star from Colchester will play the lead in a Beauty and the Beast panto.

Stevi Ritchie is set to fill the boots of fairytale villain Gaston in the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft’s Christmas production.

His “larger-than-life-personality,” which many viewers enjoyed when Stevi appeared in Celebrity Big Brother, will help with the swagger, strut and style of the character.

Stevi appeared in X-Factor in 2014 where he was mentored by Simon Cowell, and he impressed the judges with his performances of hits such as Don’t Stop Me Now and I’m A Believer.

Panto - Stevi has starred in many theatre productions before. Panto - Stevi has starred in many theatre productions before. (Image: Newsquest)

He later made it through to the final day in the Big Brother house after charming everyone with his cheeky personality, good nature and humour.

Stevi began performing at 16 and trained at the London School of Musical Theatre.

He has starred theatre productions before, including in Weymouth Pavilion’s Christmas production of Sleeping Beauty as the ‘Jester’, and in the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz.

Panto producer Paul Holman said: “Gaston needs attitude, he needs to talk the talk, walk the walk and command the stage.

“Stevi has a fabulous personality, he’s full of energy and has a great voice so I believe his performance of Gaston will be a real crowd pleaser!”

Stevi will perform at the Marina Theatre from December 10.