Oh yes Niki is in panto!

:: This interview first appeared in the Birmingham Mail on 20th November 2009 ::

X Factor star Niki Evans is learning to fly for her first panto.

She didn't believe it herself when she was told that, as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, she was to be hoisted above the stage of the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton.

"This could be my first and last panto if I get stuck up there!" she laughs. "I'll be screaming 'get me down!' I really don't like heights, so that's the bit I'm not looking forward to. But it's lovely wearing big dresses and waving a wand. I feel like my own fairy godmother has granted me my wish, to be able to relax at home with my family at Christmas."

Last year Niki, who shot to fame on The X Factor in 2007, was appearing as Mrs Johnstone in the Wedt End production of Blood Brothers. That meant she had the leave the Midlands' festivities halfway through to head back down to London. But working closer to home means she can spend the whole day with her husband Darren and their teenage sons in Polesworth, near Tamworth.

"They call me Mrs. Christmas in the village," says Niki, who turns 37 next month and is appearing alongside Stefan Dennis from Neighbours and The Krankies. "It's my favourite time of year. I decorate my house like Blackpool Illuminations and I've just bought my turkey and made my first set of mince pies. I've already bought all my presents and wrapped them while listening to White Christmas."

"I made my Christmas cake last month and will be adding more brandy to it, and this year I think I might make a gingerbread house. The best present I could have is to be at home with the kids, to see them open their presents and not have to rush off."

"I hated having to work in London while I was in Blood Brothers, I could only come home on Sundays. There were lots of tears. My family are so proud of me and wanted me to do it, but when my contract came to an end, I turned down the offer of another musical because they said 'come home, mum.' But Wolverhampton is only 40 minutes away, so it's perfect. Well, Birmingham would be even better but you can't have everything!"

They might not let her back to Birmingham if they knew how she nearly caused disaster at another panto: "When I was about seven, my mum took me and my friend to a panto in Birmingham. I can't remember which theatre. We went to the toilet halfway through and flooded the place," she says. "I was a mischevious little girl who stuck tissues in the sink and left the taps on. Mum nearly killed me and said she'd never take me anywhere ever again."

Next month Niki releases an album, By Request, and in February she embarks on a tour including Midlands venues like Dudley Town Hall and Solihull Arts Complex.

- Roz Laws