Former Coronation Street star James Cartwright has confirmed his first role since his exit as Theo Silverton. The villainous character was killed off earlier this month as part of a mystery body storyline, putting an end to his harrowing abuse against Todd Grimshaw.
James has now been announced to appear in panto this Christmas at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, appearing as baddie Abanazar in Aladdin.
Set to run between 5 December and January 3, 2027, tickets are available to book now starting from £18.
“I can’t wait to be part of it,” James said (via West End Best Friend). “Bournemouth is such a beautiful place, and to be here over Christmas, performing for local families and visitors alike, feels really special. Pantomime has such a brilliant tradition, and I’m super excited to dive into that world.”
The production is also set to star Jamie Steen as Widow Twankey and Noel Brodie as Wishee Washee – the latter in his 12th year in the role.
Meanwhile, following his exit, James explained why it was better for Theo to be killed off rather than face trial for his crimes.
“I join a long line of people who’ve met Corrie‘s own brand of justice,” he told Inside Soap‘s Soap Scoop podcast. “I think ultimately, it was always going to be thus.”
He added: “With domestic violence, and as gritty as it was, the feeling was: ‘Is there an appetite to relive it all when we’ve seen it?’ I think court cases are only good as a device if there’s new evidence, a shocking witness, or somebody saw something.
“But actually it’d just be Todd saying what happened, Theo denying it and then reliving all of those awful events. It’s been a brilliant storyline, but also it’s been quite brutal and whether there’s an appetite to relive that when people [at home] are enjoying their corned beef hash, I don’t know!”
