Soap favourite Jack P Shepherd is set to bring star power to North Wales after being announced as the headline cast member in Venue Cymru’s 2026 Christmas pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Best known for his long-running role as David Platt in ITV’s Coronation Street, Shepherd will take to the stage at Venue Cymru for the festive production, joining a strong line-up of returning panto favourites.

For more than 25 years, Shepherd has been at the heart of Weatherfield drama, portraying one of the soap’s most recognisable characters since 2000. David Platt’s storylines have ranged from turbulent family feuds and shocking betrayals to emotional tragedy and survival through some of Coronation Street’s most talked-about moments, cementing Shepherd as one of the programme’s longest-serving and most familiar faces.

Away from the cobbles, he also found reality TV success, winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2025, where he impressed viewers with his humour and down-to-earth personality, marking a contrast to the high drama of his on-screen alter ego.

Now, he is swapping Weatherfield for fairy-tale magic as he joins Llandudno favourites John Evans and Simon Neehan in a production that promises all the traditional pantomime ingredients — comedy, music, slapstick, and festive spectacle.

Amanda Guy, Section Head at Venue Cymru, said the venue was thrilled to welcome Shepherd, describing him as one of the UK’s most recognisable television stars and highlighting his debut pantomime role as a major festive attraction for North Wales audiences.

Shepherd said he was delighted to be joining the cast and looking forward to entertaining audiences over the Christmas period.

The production also reunites two of Venue Cymru’s best-loved panto performers. John Evans, a UK Pantomime Award nominee known for his sharp comic timing and energetic performances, returns alongside veteran dame Simon Neehan, whose larger-than-life stage presence and extensive television credits have made him a firm audience favourite in Llandudno.

Together, the cast will bring to life the classic story of Sleeping Beauty, featuring the wicked fairy Carabosse, a cursed princess, and a kingdom waiting for a magical rescue.

Sleeping Beauty will run at Venue Cymru from 12 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, covering the full festive season with a packed schedule of shows for families and theatre-goers.

With its mix of national TV fame, award-winning comedy talent and established local favourites, Venue Cymru is once again positioning its annual pantomime as one of the standout Christmas attractions in North Wales.