A Where Are They Now? special on children's television presenters at this time of year would probably find most of them in rehearsals for panto.

Even New Wimbledon Theatre's Cinderella, which opens on Friday, boasts no fewer than three in Milkshake's Naomi Wilkinson as Cinders, Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan as Buttons and the dashing John Barrowman, of Live and Kicking fame, as Prince Charming.

But for this trio, starring alongside A-listers Richard Wilson and Susan Hampshire, panto is less a fall from grace than proof that children's TV can be a launch pad to better things.

Barrowman in particular is no stranger to the stage. Since his short stint in 1993 as third wheel to Andi Peters and Emma Forbes on BBC1's Saturday morning gunkfest, he has become one of the West End's more sought-after stars, taking such leading roles as Beast in the stage version of Beauty And The Beast.

"This is the first panto I've done," says Barrowman, in a transatlantic twang that betrays his mixed Scottish/American upbringing.

"Normally, they don't ask people from the West End because the public don't know who they are.

"My argument is that if you're going to use someone who has their face on television, make sure that they can produce the goods, because there's nothing worse than going to see a show with a celebrity who can't sing."

Happily, Barrowman combines real talent with a recognisable face, thanks to his recent turn as Captain Jack in Doctor Who, a role he will reprise in his a spin-off series, Torchwood, next year.

And Wimbledon is not the only place to see him this Christmas. He also stars as head Stormtrooper in the feature film of Mel Brook's comedy musical hit, The Producers, a surefire Boxing Day smash.

Ever the musical ambassador, Barrowman will also be fronting a new primetime show for 2006 The Sound of Musicals alongside Ruthie Henshall, Mischa Paris, John Lee from S Club 7 and Fame Academy's David and Carrie Grant.

Cinderella, New Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway, Wimbledon, Friday December 9 to Sunday January 15, £9-£21. Call 0870 060 1827 .