Oh yes they did... Twink is out, Keith is in

The actor and former Boyzone star picked up the role of Baddie in Jack & the Beanstalk less than a month before the panto is due to premiere.

It comes after Twink, real name Adele King, revealed that she was fired from the production due to "artistic and contractual differences".

The 63-year-old had been due to appear alongside her dog Teddy, who made headlines in September when he was kidnapped, only to be later returned safe and well.

Duffy, who has acted in Love/Hate, Coronation Street and Fair City said he was delighted to land the role, and added that he would have "great fun" in role of the 'Baddie'.

He said: "I'm very excited to be heading to University Concert Hall for Jack & The Beanstalk. This will be my first time in Panto at home in Ireland and I've heard great things about this one in Limerick so I look forward to getting into the rehearsal room and getting started.

"It's an added bonus to be playing the Baddie - I can have great fun with that!"

Twink likened her sacking to the end of a relationship, having worked with the same producers and in the same venue for the past two Christmases. "A break-up in any long-term relationship is deeply hurtful and that is exactly how I feel now. Desperately hurt.

"To say I am stunned, bewildered and heartbroken doesn't even go there. I have entertained the people of Limerick and its environs since I was a small child, and it's a county I dearly love," she proclaimed.

Twink was given a number of reasons for her dismissal, including arriving late and missing a photocall and speeches, which she has denied.

Duffy joins a cast which includes Fair City actor George McMahon, Voice of Ireland contestant Richie Hayes and former You're A Star winner Leanne Moore.

Jack & The Beanstalk runs at University Concert Hall, Limerick from December 16 until January 4.

hnews@herald.ie