EIGHTIES' chart-topper Sonia returns to New Brighton later this year as part of the cast of the Floral Pavilion's pantomime.

The Liverpool-born entertainer - who had a number one hit with You’ll Never Stop Me From Loving You in 1989 - plays Fairy Of The Forest in Jack & The Beanstalk at the seaside venue from December 12 to January 14.

The 42-year-old, who currently lives near Ellesmere Port, told the Globe: "The Floral Pavilion has a special place in my heart, because I played the part of Cinderella in panto here 16 years ago.

"Around the corner at Vale Park, I actually won the annual Joytime children’s talent contest when I was eight years old.

"So New Brighton is very, very special to me and of course the theatre is all new. Some of the staff are still here from 16 years ago, so it's good to catch up with them as well. It’s all new and exciting."

Heading the cast is Cbeebies star Ed Petrie as Jack, the young man who exchanges the family faithful cow Daisy for some magic beans and ends up meeting a not-so-jolly giant.

Also appearing is Liverpool-born actor Mark Moraghan as the evil Fleshcreep.

Heswall-born actress and presenter Emma Nowell plays Princess Jill.

The 30-year-old graduated from Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. She has appeared in the UK tour and West End production of Blood Brothers is currently presenter of Channel Five children's programme Hi-5.

She said: "I played Jack in panto in Mansfield. I loved playing principal boy, but I'm looking forward to putting a dress on this time.

"Jill's got a lot of energy and is a fun character to play."

Actor, writer and comedian Nick Wilton, who plays Walford market manager Mr Lister in EastEnders plays Dame Trott.

Sonia continued: "Jack & The Beanstalk is a very exciting story. It’s a traditional story full of elements that everybody will love. I've played many different characters before and appeared in 16 pantomimes.

"It's lovely playing good people, and I played a nasty character in panto last year which was quite strange. In fact, my daughter Grace was shouting 'mummy, stop slapping Buttons'.”

Sonia, whose sister lives in Birkenhead, was just 16 when she entered the music business.

It was while playing the Liverpool club circuit that she was spotted by Pete Waterman - one third of legendary record producers Stock, Aitken & Waterman.

It led to an audition, which secured a recording contract with Simon Cowell at BMG.

Stock, Aitken & Waterman launched the music careers of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Rick Astley.

Sonia's debut self-titled album was released in 1991. It sold half a million copies and included the singles Listen To Your Heart and Counting Every Minute.

Further hits followed including Only Fools and Be Young, Be Foolish. There were also tours of Europe, The Far East and North and South America.

Two years later she representated England in the Eurovision Song Contest, pipped into second place by Ireland.

She is constantly gigging around the country and often performs live with her band.

On her career to date, Sonia said: "I've loved every minute of it because it has been so varied. Ever since I was knee-high to grasshopper all I've wanted to do is be on the stage, so I've got my dream.

"Everything’s been a highlight. Obviously getting a number was a massive one.

"In December I performed at 02 arena in London, with the Hit Factory Team.

"Also appearing were Kylie, Jason and Rick. It was an unbelievable night and hugely enjoyable.

"People love that era and the whole Stock Aitken and Waterman sound, so we had a massive extravaganza and the fans sang each song word for word.

"It was like going straight down Memory Lane. It was a very emotional night and even Pete Waterman was crying."

Looking to the future, she said: "My career's completely varied and I'm working all of the time. I’d never rule out doing a new album or a single and I get a lot of demos sent to me all the time.

"But there’s never anything that shoots out at me that makes me even want to approach a record label.

"I'm looking to get back into acting, hoping to playing a part that you wouldn’t normally associate me with.

"My management team is in the process of trying to get me into Coronation Street or Hollyoaks. That would be good."

Tickets for the pantomime are from the Floral Pavilion box office on 0151 666 0000 or floralpavilion.com