Elf will tour the UK - starring a 70s pop legend and a soap queen

6 March 2018, 10:07 | Updated: 6 March 2018, 10:09

Yes, we know it's FAR too early to even think about Christmas, but you might want to plan ahead for this one.

The hit West End musical based on the Hollywood festive favourite Elf will be toured around the UK this December, and it has a pretty stellar cast.

David Essex will appear as Buddy the Elf's father, while Buddy's girlfriend Jovie will be played by soap legend Martine McCutcheon.

The show will play three major arenas in December: Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Birmingham Genting Arena and Nottingham Motorpoint Arena.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday (March 9) at 9am.

Comedy actor Tam Ryan will play Buddy, while West End star Louise English plays Buddy's stepmother. The cast also includes Father Christmas himself and a line-up of 70 performers, including children from local Pauline Quirke Academy stage schools.

David Essex said of his new role: “I’m really looking forward to taking Elf on tour. The big special effects that we have lined-up are incredible, including a giant sleigh which will fly across the arena, an indoor snow blizzard and lots of skating which all adds to this perfect Christmas story."

Martine added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be appearing in this wonderful show. Elf is without doubt one of the all-time great Christmas movies, so I hope audiences in Cardiff, Birmingham and Nottingham will love this production just as much as the film!”

We're already thinking of getting tucked in to Buddy's four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.