A FORMER Coronation Street star will waltz straight from the Strictly dance floor to Rhyl to bring some festive magic.

Catherine Tyldesley, who until recently could be seen on BBC One’s hit Strictly Come Dancing, will head to the town on Saturday, November 30 Rhyl to turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

She will be joined in the switch-on ceremony by Rhyl Mayor, cllr Ellie Chard and the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this year’s pantomime at the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.

Cllr Chard said: “Catherine will be swapping the shimmer of the Strictly Come Dancing glitter balls for the sparkle of Rhyl’s Christmas lights. A former Coronation Street favourite, we can’t wait to welcome Catherine to our High Street.”

Tyldesley is probably best known for her role as Eva Price on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street from 2011 to 2018.

Most recently she appeared in the BBC Comedy series Scarborough, which follows a group of locals from the North Yorkshire seaside town, as they navigate life, love and friendship.

A number of performers will also be taking part in the event - which is organised by Denbighshire County Council with financial support from Rhyl Town Council - including pop duo MavMac and The Cavernites with a Tribute to the Beatles – touring years.

The pantomime cast will also keep the crowds entertained alongside costumed street performers, stilt walkers and the wheelie play bus.

Cllr Chard added: “We’re also looking forward to local favourites The Cavernites playing as they are always a big hit.

“Once again, Rhyl has got a great event to look forward to, and it promises to be another show stopper.”

The afternoon’s entertainment will start on the High Street at 1pm and finish with a short firework finale after the main switch-on at about 5pm.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “Year after year the switch–on of the Christmas lights in Rhyl has pulled in the crowds and it’s a great way to kick-start the festive season. This year’s event also promises to be an extravaganza and the line-up announced will entertain the crowds expected to gather in the High Street.

“The support shown from the local community in the past has been exceptional and we hope that the town’s businesses will benefit from additional visitors to the town centre, both on the day and in the run up to Christmas”.