Actress Shannon Flynn

Talented Rochdale actress, Shannon Flynn, is best known for her roles on Waterloo Road, Coronation Street and CBBC’s Dani’s Castle.

This Christmas, Shannon takes on the iconic role of Cinderella at the Opera House, Manchester, with popstar Gareth Gates as her Prince Charming. Joining them are Coronation Street’s Villain of the Year Connor McIntyre alongside his first victim on the soap, Les Dennis, comedian Ben Nickless (Buttons), and soul singer Hayley-Ria Christian (Fairy Godmother) who all hail from the North West, giving this year’s show a distinctly Manchester feel.

Style: Are you excited to be playing Cinderella this Christmas? Shannon: I’m super excited, nothing quite gets you in the Christmas spirit like panto does!

It’s a fantastic cast list, have you met any of them before? I met Connor briefly when I was on Corrie but we didn’t have any scenes together so it’ll be nice to properly get to know him during the run! He was lovely when I first met him though, and I’ve already hit it off with Hayley who’s playing the fairy godmother and we are sharing a dressing room too so that will be fun.

What do you think it is that makes pantomime so special? Pantomime is just good wholesome family fun, there’s nothing quite like it. You’re guaranteed a laugh whether you’re sat in the audience or on the stage.

Do you prefer working in television or theatre? It’s hard to say as both tv and theatre are so different and it’s a different buzz. I started in theatre so that will always hold a special place in my heart but the crew when working on television are incredible and it’s nice to be able to watch your work back and see where to improve which is something you can’t do with theatre.

We hear your first stage role was in Rochdale? Yes! I am a Rochdale girl so this where I started, I’ve kind of done full circle now as my first ever taste of acting was panto at the

Gracie Fields Theatre where I played Jill in Babes in the Wood! I then went on to play Annie for the Rochdale Amateur Operatic Society which was the most amazing experience.

What has been your favourite role up to now? I couldn’t choose a favourite role as all of them have been so much fun in different ways but I guess with Waterloo Road being my first television job at the age of 12, playing Emily James will always stand out to me, I’d love to play her again and see what she’s up to now.(Photo: Shannon as Emily James onthe front cover of Style back in 2009)

What would you love to work on in the future? I really want to keep pushing with both my acting and presenting so I’m open to options really on what might be next. Although I’d love to be in a real gritty northern drama.

All I want for Christmas is... Happiness, as cheesy as it sounds! I just want to be with my friends, family and boyfriend enjoying the festive season, the rest is a bonus.

What’s your New Year’s Resolution? To make sure I stay motivated to achieve what I want from life... and maybe lay off the chocolate a bit!

Cinderella runs from Saturday 8th December to Sunday 30th December at the Opera House, Manchester and tickets are on sale now, starting at just £12 - www.atgtickets.com/Manchester