BRADFORD panto legend Billy Pearce sent out a message to his adoring fans ahead of the opening of Cinderella at The Alhambra on Saturday.

Billy plays the loveable Buttons, while Emmerdale star Samantha Giles is The Wicked Stepmother, and celebrity baker and Strictly Come Dancing finalist John Whaite is Dandini.

Dale Mathurin will play Prince Charming and Yorkshire local Sarah Pearson will perform the title role of Cinderella.

In a post on Facebook yesterday, Billy said: "Today is opening day for Cinderella!

"I’d like to say a massive thanks to my brilliant, fellow cast and crew members for all the hard work that’s gone into getting us this far.

"We hope you all love it as much as we’re gonna love performing it for you. See you there kids, give me a right big wave!"

In an update today, he added: "Yesterday’s opening for Cinderella was absolutely amazing.  

"Big thanks to both audiences for blowing us away with your truly infectious laughter and rapturous applause. We loved every minute of it! 

"Rumour has it that it might be the best one so far so why not come and judge for yourselves?