BODY popping dance duo Bionik Funk are to join the cast of a new pantomime being staged later this year.

The Newcastle-based dance act, fresh from last month’s appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, have been signed up to appear in Dick Whittington at The Empire Theatre, in Consett.

They will appear alongside David Ducasse, of Eurovision contestants Scooch, making his first panto appearance at the venue in the title role.

North-east producer and director Leah Bell is staging this year’s production for the first time, following the end of the three-year run by Pantoni Pantomimes, and is promising a "fast-moving, energetic and up to the minute interpretation" of the classic story.

She said she was pleased to add Bionik Funk - dancers John Herald and Sonny Dogan - to the cast after they failed to make the final of the popular TV talent contest.

"Although I am disappointed for the boys, I feel that Simon Cowell’s loss is Consett’s gain," she said.

"Bionik Funk are a brilliant dance act and I think we will have the first ever street dancing cat, Tommy Tempah, and the first ever body popping baddie, Hip Hop the Henchman.

"I am looking forward to a great panto season".

Dick Whittington opens on December 7 and runs until January 2.

Tickets are priced £13 per adult and £11 for concessions, with school and group discounts available.

For further information and bookings, contact www.leisureworks.net or call 01207 218171.

For school and group bookings, call 01207 218899 Monday to Friday, between 10am and 3pm.