PANTO legend Berwick Kaler and his sidekick Martin Barrass have both tested positive for Covid and are out of the pantomime at York's Grand Opera House.

But theatre bosses have stressed that the show, Dick Turpin Rides Again, will go on for the rest of the run until Sunday, with two other actors taking on their roles.

Martin told The Press this evening that he felt 'right as rain' and thankfully had had no symptoms.

"I can't wait to get back to work in the near future and I'd also like to wish the rest of the team all the best for the rest of the run," he said. There is no word as yet on Berwick's health.

A spokeswoman said another great dame, Alan McHugh, will play Berwick's part of Dolly Dohnut, while Paul-James Corrigan will take over the role of Dunkin’ Dohnut, previously played by Martin.

She said Alan was a Scottish actor, comedian and writer fresh from his role as Dame Bella Buchan along with Paul-James Corrigan who played Boabby in The Beauty and The Beast at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.

"Alan is best known for his roles in television shows such as Taggart, Take the High Road, Limmy's Show, and Rab C. Nesbitt.

"The Grand Opera House would like to thank audiences for their continued support and understanding."

The panto had marked a return to the stage for Berwick, 75, Britain's longest serving pantomime dame, who had retired in 2019 after 40 years in panto at York Theatre Royal.

The panto continues at the Grand Opera House until Sunday.