Tyne Theatre pantomime choose their Princess Jasmine and she's from Gateshead

Christmas is coming and before you shout 'no it's not!' we can confirm that yes it is, as not only are shops full of Christmas presents and cards, a Newcastle pantomime has chosen it's princess for 2019.

Oh yes they have! After a packed day of auditions on Thursday which saw would-be princesses of all ages try out for the part of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin at the Tyne Theatre , the winner was revealed on stage on Friday.

The team from Enchanted Entertainment, who are once again producing this year's festive spectacle, narrowed the pack down to just two and in the end it was Gateshead's Hannah Wales who bagged the royal role for this Christmas.

It was the job of long-serving panto cast member Charlie Richmond to break the news to Hannah and, speaking to Chronicle Live seconds after the big announcement, the 22 year old from Wrekenton said "I honestly can't believe it.

"I never expected to get the part at all. I only found out about the casting from a friend who said they thought I should go for it."

Ex-Cardinal Hume pupil Hannah has been living in London, having studied at and graduated from top arts school Urdang Academy.

And now she's got the part of Princess Jasmine, she said she is looking forward to being home for Christmas.

Hear Hannah Wales sing and explain what it took to become the next Princess Jasmine

"That's the best part about it! And...i hope...lots of family and friends come and see me.

"I've performed at the Tyne Theatre before with my old dance school and I can't wait to be back on the stage."

Hannah earned the part of Jasmine after impressing the panel with her take on Reflection from Disney's Mulan, and as you can see from the video above , she sings it VERY well!

She will join an all star cast for Aladdin which also includes X Factor runner-up Marcus Collins, Hollyoaks villian David Easter, Home & Away heartthrob Nic Westaway and local performer Lewis Denny, who might know for being Instagram icon Karen the Mam.

Tickets for Aladdin are available now from the Tyne Theatre box office and online from Eventim , priced from £17.60.

It will run at the Tyne Theatre from December 6 - January 5.