THE devil incarnate - Pat Phelan - has returned to Coronation Street with a vengeance, but pantomime fans can see him in his slightly less scary guise as one half of Cinderella's ugly sisters at the Opera House this Christmas.

The other ugly sister will be comedian Les Dennis, whose own Corrie character was killed by the evil Pat.

From their body language it is obvious that, in real life, Connor McIntyre (Pat Phelan) and Les Dennis are the best of friends who will make an entertaining team.

It was Les’s idea to approach Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s Pantomime Division, with the suggestion that the two should appear together on stage as the wicked sisters.

Les said: “Last year I saw Dick Whittington and noticed at the back of the programme, that Qdos were doing Cinderella in 2018.”

Connor said: “Obviously you learn how massive Qdos Entertainment is. They have pushed the boat out in doing it.”

Les said: “Pantomime was the first thing I saw in Liverpool when I was a kid. It was Tommy Steele in Jack and the Beanstalk. When you do it as a family member, the characters in panto have a real responsibility. A lot of kids are seeing theatre for the first time.

“If they love it they will come and see other things.”

The one thing about the panto which will appeal to people is that it will be Michael’s chance to get his revenge on Pat.

Connor said: “I’m so glad my mate, Les Dennis, suggested it. What a perfect antidote to playing someone so awful.”

Cinderella will have the ever-popular laugh-out-loud comedy, special effects and beautiful costumes.

“Quietly, between you and me, I can’t wait to get into my costume,” said Connor.

* Cinderella is at Manchester Opera house from Saturday, December 8 until Sunday, December 30.

Tickets, priced from £12 are already available frfom atgtickets.com/venues/Manchester/