Martin to play evil queen in panto

Linda Martin will play the evil queen in Snow White, at Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin this Christmas.

The news comes after mounting speculation that the singer had been axed as a judge on the popular 'You’re A Star' programme.

However, an RTE spokesman said that no decision has yet been made as to who will judge the next series of the reality TV talent show, which begins in the New Year, or its charity version that hits our screens this summer.

But Linda – a former Eurovision Song Contest winner – remains optimistic about her new role.

“I am very much looking forward to being able to stand on stage shouting: ’Look behind you!’ again this Christmas,” said Linda.

“I loved performing in the panto in 2005, it was the experience of a lifetime playing to packed out houses twice a day.”

The panto at Liberty Hall has long been regarded as one of the best in town, and selling out every year for weeks over Christmas. Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

This year, Linda joins TV3 star Alan Hughes, who will reprise his much loved role as Sammy Sausages, and Joe Conlan who returns as the ever popular Buffy.

More members of the star studded case are to revealed in the coming months.

Snow White producers Karl Broderick and Alan Hughes were delighted that Linda would be treading the boards once again.

“She was a phenomenal success last time out and we are already working together on her incredible costumes,” said Karl.

Linda started her musical career as a teenager in the band Chips and over the years – as a soloist and performing with groups – entered the National Song Contest nine times, representing Ireland twice at the Eurovision Song Contest and winning in 1992 with Why Me.

She also worked with Louis Walsh on his behind-the-scenes team on the first series of ITV’s The X Factor.