VIDEO STAR of this year's Christmas pantomime in Ipswich, Letitia Dean, is preparing to be watched by millions in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.Letitia is one of the 14 celebrities who have been signed up for this year's series and hopes to dance her way to the top.

STAR of this year's Christmas pantomime in Ipswich, Letitia Dean, is preparing to be watched by millions in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Letitia is one of the 14 celebrities who have been signed up for this year's series and hopes to dance her way to the top.

Having had little experience of dancing while she was growing up, she is apprehensive about how she'll do on the show, which sees celebrities dancing with professionals. Each week a pair is voted off by the public.

Her dance partner, Darren Bennett, was with Emma Bunton last year, and the pair came third.

Dancing preparation for the show has already begun before it is due to be aired in the next fortnight, and if she survives until the last few weeks, it will coincide with rehearsals for the panto.

She said: “I'm like a rabbit in headlights. I'm still trying to work out what to do with my arms and hips. Darren has been very patient with me. We keep bursting into fits of giggles.

This year, Letitia, who is most famous for playing Sharon in EastEnders, is third favourite to win out of the girls, which includes Kelly Brook and Penny Lancaster.

Rehearsals for the panto Cinderella begin on December 2 and the show starts on December 14.

It runs until January 6, 2008, with matinees and evening performances.

Ticket prices start at £10 and can be purchased from the box office on 01473 433100 or online at www.ipswichregent.com

For the full story, see tomorrow's The Evening Star.