The Chase's Jenny Ryan announces bold career move away from ITV quiz show

The Chase star Jenny Ryan, famed for her sharp wit on ITV's quiz show with Bradley Walsh, is set to surprise fans by taking on a new role this festive season.

The 42 year old quiz whizz will be treading the boards as The Enchantress in the Beauty and the Beast pantomime at Cheshire's Lyceum Theatre. She'll be joining the likes of Malcolm Lord and Ste Johnson from December 13 to January 5 next year.

The theatre announced Jenny's involvement in the panto via Instagram, sending The Chase aficionados into a buzz of excitement, the Express reports.

They posted a photo of Jenny, exclaiming: "We're thrilled to welcome JENNY RYAN from The Chase to our amazing cast for this year's beauty of a pantomime! ".

The announcement continued: "Join us this December for Cheshire's favourite family pantomime Beauty and the Beast. Make family memories with this fun-filled Christmas cracker, from Friday 13 December 2024 Sunday 5 January 2025! "

In the promotional image, Jenny is seen beaming, clad in a white Victorian-style ball gown complete with matching glasses. Striking a confident pose, she sports an eye-catching tiara and necklace.

Fans didn't hesitate to express their enthusiasm over the news on social media.

Instagram user @mariacummings72 commented: "Awww wow that is so exciting Jenny".

Meanwhile, @mikecrocker48 humorously queried: "Did Mark audition for the Beast but was too scary? ! "

Hoping to catch a glimpse of Jenny on stage, @emzg27 queried: "Just that theatre not coming to Aylesbury at all? ! [fingers crossed emoji]."

With @Charlottenorthover18 chiming in: "Yes gal! ! "

In a chat with Lee Blakeman on BBC Radio Stoke, Jenny couldn't hide her enthusiasm about her upcoming role.

She remarked: "Panto is just an amazing experience, it's just such a privilege to be part of people's Christmas celebrations. It's a routine for so many families, it's going back decades. You feel like you're part of a tradition going back hundreds of years.

"But also, you're part of a new tradition and you are up on stage, part of somebody's first-ever experience of the theatre."

As Jenny emphasised that this experience could open numerous doors for someone, she confessed to the BBC host that she keeps this in mind every time she steps out on stage.

She continued: "There are little kids in there, some older kids, who have never been to the theatre before and suddenly a world of magic and enchantment opens for them.

"Not just the fairytale, but the love of live entertainment. There's nothing quite like it."

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