CINDERS will be ­scrubbing floors and losing her slipper at the Gordon Craig Theatre this Christmas – but not without the loveable Buttons at her side. And this year it will be ex-Neighbours star Ben Nicholas who steps into the butler s shoes. Ben, famous

CINDERS will be ­scrubbing floors and losing her slipper at the Gordon Craig Theatre this Christmas - but not without the loveable Buttons at her side.

And this year it will be ex-Neighbours star Ben Nicholas who steps into the butler's shoes.

Ben, famous for his antics as Stingray in the Australian soap, is now making his mark in the UK and is looking forward to hitting the stage in Cinderella.

He said: "I love panto, it's always so much fun.

"I've never actually seen Cinderella but I know I'll love it, its going to be a lot of fun.

"I've worked with some of the cast before, including Amanda Barrie in Jack and the Beanstalk, and she is great."

Ben hit English shores 10 months ago and is enjoying every minute.

"I've been to just about every city in England, I've been lucky enough to see a lot of the country as well as doing a lot of travelling around Europe," he said.

But why did the 19-year-old leave his tearaway character in a ­successful show loved by audiences in the UK and Australia?

"It was my decision to leave ­Neighbours. I'd been there three-and-a-half years, and it was a good stepping stone.

"I think the jail story line in Neighbours was one of my favourites, and the alcohol one. That was a good one to tackle, as it's very relevant.

"I have been really lucky. I worked for five years straight without ­stopping.

"There are more opportunities over here, but it's harder to get work because of my visa."

And he doesn't stop there. Ben will be one of the celebs vying for the Celebrity Scissorhands Hairdresser of the Year 2007 crown in the reality show starting on Sunday.

Under the guidance of renowned British hairdresser Lee Stafford, the celeb trainees will be on hand to pamper the public and leave them feeling relaxed and rejuvenated before the culminating task of doing hair and make-up for the Children In Need gala on November 16.

"It will be a lot of fun, I'm looking forward to learning new skills," said Ben.

Now the young actor, who also loves to sing with his band, who are also touring the UK, is back to his real love - the stage.

"I love to be on stage, I love performing," he said.

"Being on stage you get a reaction from the audience straight away and they are always so welcoming."

You can see Ben as Buttons at the Gordon Craig Theatre from December 1 until January 27.

Tickets start from £12 and are available form the box office on 08700 131030.