POP star Gareth Gates visited Dudley Zoo to launch Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's giant of a pantomime.

The 33-year-old will be taking the title role in Jack and the Beanstalk, which will run from December 9 to January 14.

Due to his demanding schedule, the star, who was the 2002 Pop Idol runner up, could not make the show's official launch next month so he was treated to a special publicity shoot at the zoo, which is sponsoring the panto.

During his time at the Castle Hill tourist attraction, Gareth, who has sold more than 3.5million records and appeared in productions of Boogie Nights, Legally Blonde and Les Misérables, spent some time on the farm, fed nectar to the lorikeets and posed for pictures outside the castle.

Dudley News:

As he sat down with the News for a chat, Gareth said: "This will be my eighth year doing panto but my first time doing it at Wolverhampton.

"But I have performed at the Grand before - two times - so I know the theatre, it is a great place.

"I'm looking forward to spending more time in Wolverhampton itself and getting to know the area and the people.

"My dad is originally from Birmingham so I'm used to the accent."

Talking about the panto itself, he said: "It's really good to be the lead of the show. In the past I've always been the prince so it's nice to have a title role, which I guess will mean more stage time and more performing."

Performing seems to come naturally to Gareth, who said his stammer is "never an issue" when he's on stage.

"I'm doing Footloose at the moment in the West End and the part I play is all dialogue apart from one song.

"As soon as I am in character and I've learned my script I'm fine."

Gareth said he was also looking forward to spending time with his panto co-stars, Lisa Riley, Graham Cole, Ian Adams, Adam C Booth and Doreen Tipton.

Speaking about the Black County's self-confessed lazy cow, he said: "I've been hearing a lot about Doreen so I'm looking forward to seeing her in action."

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are now on sale.

To book, visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk or call 01902 429212.