Husband and wife join Strictly winner in panto

Kristel Herrera and Joshua Mumby will be heading up the cast at the New Theatre Royal Lincoln

A husband and wife heading up the cast of a pantomime said they were lucky to be spending Christmas together doing what they love.

Joshua Mumby and Kristel Herrera will star as Robin Hood and Maid Marian in the New Theatre Royal Lincoln's production of Robin Hood.

The show also features former Olympic gymnast and Strictly Come Dancing winner Louis Smith as the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham.

"Experiencing things like this as a couple is really nice," said Mumby, who is from Grimsby and has performed in and directed productions in London's West End.

He said Lincoln held "a special place in our hearts" as it was where they registered their marriage and one of the first places they visited together.

Performing in Lincoln also meant they could spend Christmas Day with family, he added.

"It's incredible to be able to come back and perform," said Herrera, an international singer, actress and performer.

She described Christmas as her favourite time of year and said she loved working with her partner as they could be "brutally honest" while supporting each other.

"We have been together in a few shows and, you know what, I love working with Josh."

Louis Smith said he was looking forward to playing "a baddie" in the production

Meanwhile Smith, who has previously appeared in Aladdin and Snow White pantomimes at the theatre, told BBC Radio Lincolnshire he was delighted to return.

"I didn't know if Lincoln was going to be fatigued of Louis Smith appearing in the shows but I'm looking forward to it," he said.

Smith said he was also looking forward to "playing a baddie", adding that his daughter wasn't too enthusiastic about his role.

However, he said she loved coming to watch and joining in with the boos and shouting, "he's behind you".

"I'm daddy, so I usually get booed anyway, telling her to brush her teeth and get in bed," he joked.

The show runs from 5 December until 4 January.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices