Strictly judge bringing show to 'wonderful' town

Craig Revel Horwood is bringing his immersive Christmas musical to the Centaur

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood said he was compelled to debut his new musical in the town where one of his relatives once lived - and fell foul of the law.

Revel Horwood is bringing his immersive Christmas musical 'Santa - The Visit', to the Centaur venue at Cheltenham Racecourse in December.

He said it will be the first time the venue will host a musical and explained how excited he is to return to the town he has an historic connection to.

Revel Horwood added: "My three-times great grandfather stole five pounds and some jewellery from the Queen's Hotel in Cheltenham and was sent to Tasmania for 14 years."

"So it's just a mad sort of history that I have here, I discovered that when I did a TV programme looking into my genealogy.

"Cheltenham is a wonderful place."

Revel Horwood said his new musical will be "all very equestrian darling, keeping it in theme with the racecourse".

"The show is about the arrival of the real Santa who arrives like a true rockstar and bursts into song and dance," he said.

"It's the first time anything like this has ever happened at The Centaur."

The musical will take place in December at The Centaur, in Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Racecourse chief executive Guy Lavender said: "Cheltenham Racecourse has welcomed some very distinguished, VIP guests over many years but perhaps this is our most unusual and exciting yet.

"We're not entirely sure what to expect, let alone where we'll park his sleigh, but we're honoured and thrilled to host his visit and help play our part in saving Christmas for the people of Cheltenham and beyond."

The show will run from 19 to 24 December.