FORMER Eastenders favourite Ricky Groves will be joining the cast of The Little Mermaid which will be performed at Stourbridge Town Hall to raise funds for The Mary Stevens Hospice.

The actor, who played the unlucky in love Garry Hobbs in the popular BBC soap, will be starring as King Triton in the February half-term show, along with Britain’s Got Talent’s Black Country singing star Amy Lou Smith.

Tickets for the panto can be bought online at https://boroughhalls.co.uk/msh-the-little-mermaid.html or by calling the hospice direct on 01384 377778.

Ricky recently took time out of his busy schedule to visit the hospice and spent time with CEO Claire Towns who introduced him to staff, volunteers, patients and their families during his visit.

He said: “When I was asked to join the wonderful Mary Stevens Hospice in their production of The Little Mermaid, I jumped at the chance.

"I love doing panto and to perform for such a well-respected charity knowing my involvement will help local people, who rely on the care the hospice provides, is an honour.

"I usually play the panto villain and so bringing Ariel’s loving father, King Triton, to the stage will be a fin-tastic opportunity for me!”