As fans of Strictly Come Dancing will know, former Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has fast become the dark horse of the contest since she’s proven she really can dance…

And of course, in her debut performance last week, she wowed everyone by injecting some humour into her routine by hoisting pro-dance partner Robin Windsor, to much acclaim from the judges.

However, it seems Lisa herself had no idea that she would do so well on the show, and had even expected to leave early on, given that she had previously arranged to star in a panto in Portsmouth in December.

But of course, if she stays in the contest, she’ll need to be in training right up to the show’s finale on December 23rd…

So in view of that, Lisa has reportedly been in talks with the producers of the panto – she’s set to play the role of Queen Malevola in the Kings Theatre production of Snow White – who’ve agreed that if she does make it to the final rounds of SCD, they’ll use an understudy in Lisa’s place.

But of course, fans who’ve paid £23 for a ticket to see Lisa in the panto will be disappointed if she is replaced.

The Daily Star adds, “Even if she is voted out, Lisa will miss the Friday, Saturday and Sunday panto performances as all couples are called back for the final weekend of Strictly.”

A Strictly insider said, “No one knows how any of the contestants will do, although as usual there are already favourites.

“We were aware Lisa had a pantomime arrangement but it is understood there is an agreement in place with the production company that should she be voted through, an understudy will be used.”

Are you one of the people who’ve already bought tickets to the panto? And if so, will you be disappointed if Lisa’s not in it?