A LEADING French actress, who was a finalist in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Over The Rainbow’s TV search for a Dorothy, will star in the Brindley’s panto this year.

Camille Mesnard, aged 24, will play Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk, which runs from December 14 to January 13, 2013.

She was born in France and moved to Merseyside to train at the Liverpool Theatre School.

She made it to the last 20 in the BBC TV show.

Speaking from a cruise ship where she is in another Andrew Lloyd Webber produced showm Camille said: "Panto is a very English tradition which I discovered for the first time two years ago. I cannot help but come back to panto every year, it is so much fun.

"I am looking forward already to performing in such a popular venue and meeting the people of the Halton area."

She is the first major cast member to be revealed for the production.

Tickets are now available at the box office on 0151 907 8360 or online at www.thebrindley.org.uk