HOLLYOAKS star Jennifer Metcalfe is set to shock fans by ditching her racy on screen persona . . to entertain a new audience of children.
The Yorkshire lass, best known for playing man-eater Mercedes McQueen in the Channel 4 soap, takes the title role in the Whitley Bay Playhouse’s panto production of Cinderella and said she’s looking forward to treading the North seaside stage for the first time.
“It’s really nice to be by the coast,” said Jennifer, who turned 29 a fortnight ago with a glitzy night out in London’s West End. “It’s much prettier than I thought it would be as a seaside resort.
“There’s quirky bars and restaurants and a view of the sea - I’m looking forward to it.”
Though Hollyoaks co-star Jorgie Porter this week revealed she turned to Jennifer Metcalfe for advice on filming sex scenes for the new series of Hollyoaks Later, Bradford-born former Dancing on Ice contestant, Jennifer, says she’s going to leave the raunch behind to win over some of the harshest critics.
“I’ve heard children are quite difficult to please,” she said, “but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Any Geordie dads hoping to impress the TV star, who has appeared in more than 422 episodes of Hollyoaks since 2006, may have to contend with boyfriend Sylvain Longchambon - her skating partner from her brief ITV appearance last year.
“Hopefully all my friends, family and boyfriend will be coming up to see me too,” she said. “I think the first night will be quite nerve-wracking, but I’m told it’ll get easier from there.”
As it’s her first panto, Jennifer said she hopes to tap up the last person she saw performing in a festive production for a bit of advice.
“I’ve not been in a long while but when I was young my best friend loved going to the pantomime, so her mum and dad always insisted we went.
“I think the last one I saw had Nick Pickard - Tony from Hollyoaks - in it, so I need to hunt him down and get some tips.”
:: Cinderella starts at the Whitley Bay Playhouse on December 18. For more information visit
www.playhousewhitleybay.co.ukhttp://www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-e ... -31888631/
