IT'S that time of year again, oh yes it is.

Well, not really, but the lead for this years panto at Redditch's Palace Theatre has been announced.

Lloyd Daniels, best known as a finalist in the sixth and most watched season of The X Factor, will be joining the cast of the spectacular pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

Lloyd, who headlined The X Factor 2010 arena tour, taking in 58 different venues, and selling-out everywhere, comes to Redditch having headlined Bill Kenwright’s UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

He has also starred in two previous pantomimes, opposite Coronation Street’s Bruce Jones and Loose Women’s Andrea Mclean.

As a solo artist, Lloyd has had chart success and has a loyal following of fans across the country.

UK pantomime producer Paul Holman, for Paul Holman Associates, said: “This is a great opportunity for Redditch audiences to see Lloyd appear in the title role of this year’s pantomime.

"With pop star Vernie Bennett from Eternal and one of the country’s finest panto comics, Tony Rudd, already confirmed in the line-up, the Palace panto is shaping up to be a true giant of quality, family fun.”

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from December 7 until January 3.

Tickets are available now from the theatre box office on 01527 65203 or online at redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk.