I’m beginning to wonder how the writers of EastEnders are planning on creating Christmas storylines based entirely on about five characters, because it seems that’s potentially the number of the show’s cast who aren’t either starring in panto this year or taking months off!

As to panto roles, so far Adam Woodyatt and Steve McFadden have announced they’re starring in the festive live shows this year, and now, Shane Richie has revealed that he is too!

Shane has apparently signed up to play the role of Buttons in Cinderella at the Cliffs Pavilion theatre in Southend.

Of his role, Shane said, “The people of Essex are my kind of people – out for a fun time.”

And the theatre’s director, Ellen McPhillips, told This Is Essex, “Last year was so successful that we are already way ahead of the usual ticket sales for this time of year…”

Now, I’m assuming that Adam, Steve and Shane – who of course play the roles of Ian Beale, Phil Mitchell and Alfie Moon – will need time off to star in their pantomimes, and as Charlie Brooks, June Brown, Lindsey Coulson and Patsy Palmer are all off for months, I can’t imagine there’s going to be many of the show’s stars left on the set!

Jo Joyner is also taking time off, but she won’t be doing so until early on in the New Year, and she recently teased that the Christmas storylines for the Branning family – she of course plays Tanya – were to feature heavily over the festive period.

Just as well since half the rest of the Square won’t be there!