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Cerrie Burnell fulfils a childhood dream as she gets to play Princess Jasmine in Aladdin.

What can viewers expect from the panto?

Lots of fun! It's a real celebration of the wonderful British tradition which is pantomine, with fabulous costumes, lots of bright colours, that special CBeebies quirkiness and lots of joy.

Tell us about your character.

I play Princess Jasmine and she's a very moral woman. She won't get married for riches, jewels and palaces – or for ZingZilla island – she'll only get married for love.

What do you love most about Pantomime?

I love that it's a very bizarre tradition but it's so much fun. It's unique as there's nothing much like it anywhere else in the theatre or on television. It's a once-a-year theatrical treat.

Can you tell us about your costume?

Well Princess Jasmine is very beautiful obviously, so I have this slightly Eastern-style dress in blue and lilac and a fabulous headdress and pretty little slippers.

What is your first panto memory?

It was going to see Mother Goose when I was six. Danny La Rue was playing the Dame and I just thought "this is bonkers". I loved it immediately and always wanted to be in one. I always wanted to be the girl, the princess.

Can you explain the magic appeal of panto?

I think the appeal is that they're stories that don't get told at any other time in the year. And it's almost in the vein of Carry On films – it's all right for men to play women, for women to play men and it's all done with a cheeky wink!

What are you doing for Christmas?

I'll be looking out for a sleigh flying through the sky and then spending the holiday with family.

Best or worst Christmas present?

Oh, my best present was a pink bike when I was seven or eight years old. I remember going to a shop to choose it specially.

What's the best thing about Christmas?

Family; it's lovely to be able to spend time with everyone properly. And all the decorations!

What do you hope Santa will be bringing you this year?

Lots of happiness.

Who would you like to kiss under the mistletoe?

Oh, I don't know but I'm very different to Princess Jasmine, so anyone with jewels, a palace – and a great car...!

What is your Christmas wish?

Lots of beautiful snowflakes. There's nothing to make Christmas more special than a dusting of snow!