TWO stars from this year's Derby Live pantomime have praised the city for being friendly – and having the country's best tattooist.
Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison and X-Factor finalist Marcus Collins feature in the upcoming panto Jack And The Beanstalk.
It is the first panto for Marcus, who came runner-up in X-Factor 2011 singing the Motown hit Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours, but he said it was not the first time he had been in Derby.
Marcus, who is currently rehearsing at the Assembly Rooms for his role as Jack in the panto, which starts on Wednesday, said it had been "challenging but fun" so far.
He said he knew Derby because he came to the city to have his tattoos done with Kevin Paul, who is the official tattooist for the X-Factor show. Marcus said: "He's the best tattooist."
He also said he had found a lot of nice places to eat in Derby and so would be "rolling back to Liverpool like a big pudding".
In the panto, Marcus is flown on a wire as he "climbs" the beanstalk. He said he had always had a big thing about heights since he was young: "It's not so much a fear but more a respect for them."
He said he had done a skydive recently in preparation for the panto and loved it so much that he was going to do another one next year.
Cheryl, who plays Spirit Of The Beans in the panto, said: "It's my first time in Derby and I'm really impressed with it. It's got good shopping and the people are really friendly – they come up and say hello and are genuinely pleased to see you."
About her role, Cheryl said: "She's not a typical fairy she's a little bit feisty and has traits of Heather Trott of EastEnders in her. She can give as good as she gets."
She said there were so many great things about the show: "You have the wonderful Dame Trott in Don Maclean, who has lots of very, very funny routines, and the lovely Marcus Collins, Mr X-Factor, who is really very good in this."
The panto runs until Sunday, January 5, and tickets cost from £9.25 to £26.25. To book, call the box office on Derby 255800.
