Top TV presenter Chris Evans has taken up an invitation to watch a Braintree theatre group's pantomime.

The star has said he will go to local pantomime group Pantoloons version of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves when it airs in January.

It all came around when Pantoloons member, Katrina Rowlands, called Chris on his morning radio show when he asked people to phone in and talk.

She told him about the show and asked if he would like to come and see the show - to which Chris said yes.

"I didn't really believe I had been on national radio talking to Chris Evans about our local pantomime," she said.

"I was driving to work, listening to his show and thought why not tell him about our pantomime. He said it sounded great fun and thought it would be a really good idea to come and see the show."

She has spoken to Chris's personal assistant this week and he is still keen to come and see the panto which runs at the Institute, Braintree, from January 20 to 27.

The box office opens on November 11, at Proper Gander, Little Square, Braintree.

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