Much-loved television personality Alison Hammond makes her home-city panto debut this festive season, taking on the role of Spirit of the Beans in Birmingham Hippodrome’s production of Jack And The Beanstalk. What’s On caught up with the Great British Bake Off star as she prepared to bring some added sparkle to the second city’s giant of a pantomime...

You're playing Spirit of the Beans - can you talk a little bit about the character?
She brings the magic, she brings the nature, she brings the lols, she brings the vibes. That's what the Spirit of the Beans is gonna be doing in this panto. I’m gonna bring it, babes, I’m gonna be bringing the vibes!

And this is obviously your debut Brum panto…
I've done panto before, but yes, this is my first Brum panto, which I've wanted to do all my life. I’m really excited! 

What initially drew you to panto?
Well, my mum brought us up on panto. Every year we'd go and see panto on Boxing Day. Boxing Day is a bit of a pants day anyway, a bit dry, so we always went to panto. I went into pantos after Big Brother, and then I stopped for, like, 10 years. This is my first panto back. I might be a little bit rusty, but I can’t wait.

What are you most looking forward to about the production itself?
Working with Matt Slack because he’s so funny. I find him hilarious! I’ve seen and met him before but never worked with him, so I’m looking forward to that, and to seeing what his creativity is like. Meeting the cast, going out for drinks. You become a kid again! 
I’m also really looking forward to going home to my own bed every single night! I’ve never had that. Every panto I've done I’ve been away from home, so this is lovely! It’s a six-week run and it’s going to be so much fun.

What makes the story of Jack And The Beanstalk suitable for the panto treatment?
You’ve got giants, you’ve got beanstalks, you’ve got the comedy, the dancing element, the singing. You’ve got me! What more do you need?!

Did you have a favourite pantomime growing up?
Cinderella is my favourite, if I’m honest with you. One day I will be Cinderella. I know it’s gonna happen. It’s always been my favourite. I don’t know why; it’s just a story I’ve always loved. I’ve never done Jack And The Beanstalk, though, so I can’t wait!

Do you have any Christmas traditions that you’re determined to fit in, despite the heavy workload?
It’s lovely because I will be at home. I’ll be able to do all the decorations! It’s going to be lovely not having to drive into London all the time. Traditions? I’ve definitely got to do the German market because I’ll be in town. We always go if we can. Always buy a new tree! I’ll get a nice, fresh turkey ordered, a nice table setting; all of that. 

And what would your perfect Christmas Day look like?
It looks like the typical Christmas Day. Wake up early. I put the turkey in early, 5am. I know that sounds really early! All the veg is prepared the night before. Get that food on, so that by 12 we’re eating dinner. I’m an early-dinner person! King's speech, chill out, fall asleep, games in the evening, goodnight. More turkey sandwiches before I go to bed too.

What was your best Christmas present, or something that was really memorable to you?
So, you know I love Chinese? I asked Mum if Santa could bring me a Chinese for Christmas - and low and behold, Santa is amazing and brought me spare ribs and fried rice. I had it for breakfast, and it was one of the best Christmases ever! I loved it. Santa is the best. It’s true!

Obviously Birmingham has changed a lot since you were younger. In what ways is the city different?
I used to know Birmingham like the back of my hand! I go in now and get lost and end up with a ticket because I’ve gone down a bus lane or a taxi lane. I never know where to park, so I just try and get the train now into Moor Street and go and do my shopping and stuff. I just don’t know it as well. Then there’s the clean-air charge too. 

Do you still love it?
Yeah! I still go to the same shops - I’m quite boring. Same old shops, do my threading, get my hair done, go to the wig shop, get some colour for my hair. Go to McDonald’s. I do all the same things. 
You’re often referred to as the Queen of Birmingham. How does it feel to have that title? 
Well, it’s pretty silly really because I’m not royalty, first of all! I do quite like it, though. I do secretly like the title, but in my heart I’m just me.

How was the Bake Off experience for you? 
It was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had. Think about it, your work place is outside, sunny weather, cake everywhere! You can eat as much as you want; there’s no restriction. Lovely clothes. Lovely bakers! The nicest bakers! Honestly, I fell in love with them. There were tears from me too. 

Is this series one of the best to date?
Obviously - I’m in it! It’s never had me in it before, so of course!

And finally, if you could change one thing about the world in 2024, what would it be and why?
I’d stop social media and go back to life without it. I think it would solve a lot of issues and help a lot of teenagers and a lot of people.

Alison stars as Spirit of the Beans in Jack And The Beanstalk at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 16 December to Sunday 28 January