Conleth's panto time with Pam

The 26-year-old became the envy of his friends when he announced he'll be spending the festive period with Pamela Anderson.

And if all goes according to plan Conleth may end up having a roast with the Baywatch beauty on Christmas Day.

It's come about after Conleth landed the role of the Chinese policeman in Aladdin - the UK's largest panto in the Liverpool Empire in London. Pamela will be playing the Genie of the Ring in the same production.

Conleth, who recently gripped the nation with his performances on RTE's FAME: The Musical, told the 'MAIL': "It's going to be my first Christmas away from home but I'll have Pamela Anderson!

"For my generation she's iconic. When I got offered the role I didn't even have to think about it."

The Canadian-born actress, glamour model, producer, activist and author turned 43 this month, but has lost none of the allure which prompted red-blooded men all over the world sign up for swimming lessons when she first bounced onto TV screens in Baywatch in 1992.

Conleth's auditions were for a role in Dick Whittington in Bristol, but it was fate that paired him with Pamela in London.

"When I was auditioning there were ones there from Hollyoaks, Casualty and the West End going for the same parts. I thought I haven't a chance. To get this role was a big confidence boost.

"Barbara Windsor was on the panel for the auditions for Dick Whittington. After my audition she said, "I'm sorry, you'll not be spending Christmas with me in Bristol, but how would you like to be in London with Pamela Anderson instead?".

Rehearsals start in November, with Aladdin opening in December and running for five weeks. The panto will also star TV funnyman Les Dennis.

"Myself and Les Dennis are in the two comedy roles," explained Conleth. "I grew up watching Baywatch and Family Fortunes. I can't believe I'm going to be working with two of my childhood icons."

Conleth said: "I've never seen a bigger response from my friends wanting to come over and see the show. I know it's not that they want to come and see me. The amount of people that want to come is mad, they all want to get backstage."

Regarding meeting Pamela for the first time he said: "I think you have to play it cool. I'm getting all my excitement out of the way now. I can't believe this is happening.

"I think American celebrities are something else."

He added. "You never know. Because this is the first Christmas I've spent away from home she might say, 'Why don't you come and have Christmas with me?' Her and I are the only ones not getting home."