Over the Christmas period, Amanda Lovett will be playing The Empress in Aladdin at The Brindley Theatre in Cheshire alongside Rubin Cavanagh as Aladdin and Rebecca Lake as Yasmin, with the pantomime running until Sunday 5th January. Since Amanda was a contestant on Series 1 of The Traitors in 2022, which led to her being banished as a Traitor in Episode 10 and saw her compete against the eventual winners Aaron Evans, Hannah Byczkowski and Meryl Williams, she has been part of BBC Two series Pilgrimage this year, a 20th Anniversary episode of Homes Under the Hammer, and she was a guest at RuPaul’s Drag Con in 2023. Answering our questions, Amanda talks about being in the cast of Aladdin at The Brindley Theatre in Cheshire, playing The Empress in the pantomime and her time as a Traitor on Series 1 of The Traitors.

This Christmas, you will be playing The Empress in the Aladdin pantomime at The Brindley Theatre in Cheshire, what can audiences expect from your portrayal of the character?

I am playing The Empress character a little bit like my grandma, she was quite stern so I put on a poker face with everyone except my daughter Yasmin.

How was it rehearsing for a pantomime and how has it been learning the script?

I never appreciated the amount of work that goes into a pantomime to create a flawless story. The cast are so talented and I have finally learned my lines, although I shouldn’t preempt that lol.

What was it like meeting the rest of the cast for the first time?

It was so lovely meeting the cast, they are so talented and we are like a panto family. One member invited me to her home for Sunday lunch as I’m staying in the Travelodge.

Have you seen Aladdin as a pantomime previously and what do you think this production will be like to be part of?

I have seen Aladdin previously it is one of my favourite Disney stories. This production really is fun, our Widow Twanky and Wishee Washee are amazing and really involve the children.

What were you looking forward to for opening at The Brindley Theatre on Thursday 5th December?

I couldn’t wait to see it all come together on opening night as we portrayed the story to the audience.

Why would you recommend booking tickets to see Aladdin, which runs until Sunday 5th January 2025?

You have to buy tickets, Aladdin actually flies around the air in a carpet, it’s magical.

Earlier this year, you were part of Series 6 of Pilgrimage for BBC Two, how did you find the experience?

I loved being involved in Pilgrimage. It was a journey of discovery in so many ways and I met some true friends for life.

For the 20th anniversary of Homes Under the Hammer, you filmed a Celebrity Special episode, what was the show like to film?

Filming Celebrity Homes Under the Hammer was an iconic moment for me. As an estate agent for 30 years, my passion is housing and the transformation of them. Tommy Walsh was a true gent and so knowledgeable.

What did you enjoy most about being a contestant on Series 1 of The Traitors in 2022, and how was it being a Traitor?

I loved being on The Traitors, it was so much fun and, of course, a free breakfast. I loved being a Traitor, you get to be the King or Queen of the chess game.

What are some of your stand-out memories from filming the challenges with your fellow contestants?

The most memorable moment of the challenges is when we did the escape hut and I was freezing cold with ice water over me and it just kept pouring onto me and Andrea, who was the oldest contestant, came and covered me with her body so the water wouldn’t hit me again.

What was it like being a guest at RuPaul’s Drag Con last year?

I love RuPaul’s Drag Con. The year before I had a stand and all the queens came to meet me and so many of the public. It’s such an amazing place to be, I feel like I’m having a big party day with my family.

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?

My favourite film is Practical Magic and I am a true lover of the soaps.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I don’t have much free time with five children and six grandchildren, but I do enjoy a nice meal and glass of wine.

What are you hoping the next year brings for you?

I would love to do a podcast in the next year, I love to chat. And hopefully play Mrs Potts one day in Beauty and the Beast.

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