Pamela 'in the dark' about panto

Pamela Anderson says she knew nothing about pantomime when she accepted the part of the genie in a production of Aladdin.

The model and actress takes to the stage at the New Wimbledon Theatre in December and it's reported that ticket sales are already up by 800%.

However, she admitted taking on the role despite never having seen a panto and knowing nothing about its traditions.

"I was thinking I might be walking an invisible dog, and I still said I would do it!" revealed Anderson.

The Hollywood star said she hadn't met any of the cast yet, which includes the famous Shakespearian actor Brian Blessed, but that she was looking forward to doing something new.

'Wild crazy choice'

"The fun of it is kind of walking into it a little blind and seeing what happens.

"I think pantomime is another wild crazy choice I get to make in my career. The fact that I was even asked to do it was flattering."

The 42-year-old said she doubted her famous red swimsuit would make an appearance but that she was okay with scriptwriters adding in the predictable Baywatch jokes.

Besides playing a genie, another unlikely pairing on Anderson's mind is herself and former Eastenders actor Joe Swash (Mickey Miller).

The couple hook up in a new two-part documentary where she comes to London to live with Swash, and the I'm A Celebrity winner goes to Malibu to sample her LA lifestyle.

Despite not initially being familiar with the actor, Anderson said she had fun making the programme.

'Sweet man'

"Joe was a very good sport", said Anderson. "(Him) surfing in Malibu - quite a sight!

"I know he's well liked here and he was a very fun, sweet man. His family's fantastic, I love his mother."

Pamela and panto co-star Joe Swash have made a TV show

However, fans of the blonde bombshell may not get the polished Pamela they're usually used to seeing in the media.

"Make-up wasn't a high priority, so whatever happened happened," she admitted.

The actress also joked about rumours doing the rounds that she's bankrupt and is having trouble paying for the renovation on her Malibu home.

"If the worse thing I am to people is broke then that's okay - because it's not the worst thing I am!

"I'm very fortunate to have the homes that I have and the life that I have. I don't think anybody is crying in the soup over here in my family."

Platinum polka dots

However, Anderson did admit the construction work had been a headache: "I've built only one home before, with Tommy, and we got in trouble over that one too," she said.

She also conceded there was truth in rumours of a very extravagant swimming pool at her Malibu residence.

"I take charge there - yes. Oh my god, I have platinum polka dots in my pool! It's very, very expensive. I don't think anybody's feeling sorry for me."

With such expensive tastes, it may be a good job that Anderson could reportedly earn around £25,000 a week for her two week run in the panto.

The star's appearance at the Wimbledon theatre runs from 13-27 December. Before that, TV personality Ruby Wax is playing the genie, with Paul O'Grady (Lily Savage) due to take over in the new year.

Pamela Anderson: At Home with Joe, and Pamela Anderson: When Joe Came to Stay is on Living at 10pm on 2 and 9 November.