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He's multi-talented and perhaps the handiest man on CBeebies. Phil Gallagher (aka Mister Maker) turns his considerable skills to playing Aladdin's put-upon sibling Wishy Washy.

What do you love most about pantomime?

For me it's the audience participation and the fact that there's nothing else like it that we do. It's lovely to see the reaction of the audience and of course the audience can get involved and boo and hiss and cheer to their hearts' content.

Tell us about your character.

I'm playing Wishy Washy who is Aladdin's brother and probably the more loveable of Nana Knickerbocker's sons. He's the audience's friend.

Can you tell us about your costume?

I'm very pleased with my costume but of course the one to look out for is Nana Knickerbocker's – it's quite spectacular.

Wishy Washy wears very plain clothes at the start of the panto, but if Aladdin's fortunes change he could get something grander to wear at the end of the show – I couldn't possibly tell you!

What is your first panto memory?

My first panto memory was with my local amateur dramatic society when I was seven and it was Aladdin. I played a golden chicken and I had to come on stage and lay a golden egg. I'm not quite sure how that fitted into the storyline but it was my first experience of panto. I absolutely loved it and I've loved performing ever since.

Can you explain the magic appeal of panto?

It's good, old-fashioned variety. It's got laughs, great songs, great costumes, audience participation. It's got everything – it's a real family treat.

What are you doing for Christmas?

I'm going to be in my home-town doing panto; I'll be in Chatham in Kent playing Jack in Jack And The Beanstalk – which is the same town I made my debut in as a chicken all those years ago! I'm really proud to be back home and my whole family is coming to watch me in panto.

Best or worst Christmas present?

When I was a very small child I was given a box of 1,000 drinking straws by my aunty. At the time I was very disappointed but actually now I can think of hundreds of things I could make with those!

And one of my first Christmas memories is being given panto tickets by my Nan and Grandad and now they're coming to watch me in panto!

What's the best thing about Christmas?

For me the best thing about Christmas will be spending it at home with my family.

What is your Christmas wish?

My Christmas wish is to see as much of my friends and family as possible and I wish that for everybody else as well, that they have a really happy Christmas and have a wonderful time.