Spell as a dame for Sir Ian

SIR IAN McKELLEN is to take on his most surprising role yet - Widow Twankey.

The 65-year-old will appear at the Old Vic theatre in London in next month’s classic pantomime, Aladdin. Long considered one of the finest classical actors of his generation, Sir Ian is looking forward to the part.

The actor, who was last seen as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings, said: "Pantomime has everything theatrical - song, dance, verse, slapstick, soliloquy, audience participation, spectacle, cross-dressing and a good plot."