MEET the new Little and large in York.

Syd Little, of comedy duo Little And Large, will be on his way to China when he teams up with The Royal star Michael Starke for this winter's pantomime at the Grand Opera House.

From December 14 to January 7, Syd will play Supersonic, the Genie of the Ring, while Michael will make his York debut as the Emperor of China.

He will complete filming for the role of Ken Hopkirk in the next series of The Royal before starting pantomime rehearsals under director Simon Barry. I've heard great things about Syd ever since I learned I would be working with him, and it'll be good to have a partner to work off on stage, which will be different for me," said Michael, who is best known for playing Sinbad Sweeney in the Channel 4 soap Brookside for 16 years. For ticket availability, phone 0870 606 3595.