Stephenson picks panto over jungle

8 October 2007 - Ex-Coronation Street favourite Debra Stephenson has chosen to appear in a pantomime over a spot on I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!.

However, the 35-year-old hasn't taken leave of her senses - she is set to earn a cool £150,000 by appearing in Peter Pan compared with the £75,000 offered by ITV for a stint in the jungle, according to the Mirror.

Stephenson will play the title role in the show at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham, starring alongside Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis as Captain Hook.

"This will be the first time I have played Peter Pan and I can't wait to see so many children, seeing their faces and seeing them laugh," Stephenson commented.

"Peter Pan is my son's favourite book and film, so this would be my all-time favourite pantomime role."

The fair-haired actress played the part of Frankie Baldwin, wife of former factory owner Danny, in Coronation Street before leaving on New Year's Eve last year.

Her character courted controversy by falling in love with stepson Jamie and planning to run away with him, before getting cold feet at the very last minute and deciding to leave and stay with a friend elsewhere instead.
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