STRICTLY Come Dancing star Letitia Dean has today arrived in Ipswich as the Regent theatre announced record pantomime ticket sales. Miss Dean, 40, was at the 1,600 seat venue joining Postman Pat and the rest of the cast of this year's pantomime Cinderella for rehearsals.

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Letitia Dean has today arrived in Ipswich as the Regent theatre announced record pantomime ticket sales.

Miss Dean, 40, was at the 1,600 seat venue joining Postman Pat and the rest of the cast of this year's pantomime Cinderella for rehearsals.

Currently appearing in the BBC hit show alongside her pantomime rehearsals, Miss Dean is combining both commitments by practicing routines for Saturday night's live show around rehearsals.

And her dance partner Darren Bennett is due to come to the town to practice with Miss Dean later this week.

Suffering from an illness that saw her struggle to perform on Saturday evening, Miss Dean did not speak to reporters today saying only she felt “terrible” and posing for pictures.

Theatre manager Hazel Clover said: “We have sold more than £300,000 in advance ticket sales. Its is better than last year and the year before and breaking box office records.

“It is going to be a popular show.”

Miss Clover said Miss Dean was genuinely committed to the pantomime and would manage to meet her obligations to both the BBC series and the theatre.

Miss Clover added: “It's a difficult day today and she is under pressure. Its hard work but I know she is really looking forward to performing in Ipswich.”

Miss Dean is appearing as the Fairy Godmother in the production. To book call 01473 433100.