Strictly Come Dancing star Ross King has announced a new career move, revealing he will star alongside pop legend Will Young in this year's pantomime production of Cinderella. The announcement was made during Wednesday's episode of Lorraine, where King appeared live from the London studio.
Ross King Returns to Pantomime
During the show, host Lorraine Kelly spoke to Ross King, 64, who typically broadcasts his segment live from Los Angeles but was in the studio for Wimbledon. Kelly revealed that King had teamed up with Will Young for a special project. King confirmed: "I know, it is... pantomime! So last year I came back, I was back with Rylan over at Southend and then this year we're going to be at Plymouth so I'm heading up to Plymouth next week for the press call with Will Young for Cinderella again. So I can't wait!" He will be reprising his role as Buttons.
Lorraine Kelly's Excitement
Lorraine gushed about the news, recalling a work outing to see King's previous pantomime: "We love that, because we all went as a work outing to see you, and it was just the best night. It was the best night. It was great fun." She added: "But it just shows you the planning that goes into it, that you all know that you're all going to be doing that in Plymouth at Christmas time already. It's got to be though, it's got to be all sorted out, because it's such a big, big deal." King responded: "No, it's great, I can't wait!"
Production Details
Theatre Royal Plymouth and Crossroads Pantomimes announced earlier this year that Will Young will headline the pantomime as The Fairy Godfather in Cinderella, running from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Young, 47, rose to fame after winning the first-ever Pop Idol in 2002 and also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, withdrawing during the competition for personal reasons.
King's Strictly Journey
King recently appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, where he was paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystal. The duo were the second contestants to be eliminated on the BBC One show. Despite his early exit, King continues to expand his entertainment career with this pantomime role.
Lorraine airs weekdays at 9:30am on ITV and ITVX.
