WELL, shiver me timbers and pass me the rum, because I've survived two weeks of fun-filled rehearsals, during which time I've learned to line dance, chase a giant parrot and speak fluent pirate.

Oh yes I have me hearties - and the waiting is finally over.

Last night my dear fellow cast members and I set sail on the HMS Hispaniola for the magical Treasure Island, our new home for the next eight weeks, and what a voyage it was!

Apart from winning Pop Idol 11 years ago, which you know I don't like to mention but somehow manage to shoehorn it in at every opportune moment, I can honestly say that this panto might be the most fun I've ever had working on any production since then.

The cast is second to none and the costumes and sets at the Pavilion Theatre this year are simply dazzling, thanks to the man in charge, Mr Iain Gordon.

The choreography, staged by the very talented Lynsey Brown and Robert Hamilton, makes us all look like Strictly Come Dancing contenders (well maybe not all of us), and due to the number of fantastic singers in this year's cast we actually sound like an angelic wee choir at points during the show.

Yes this year's festive period looks set to be an action-packed, fun-filled adventure at the Pavilion theatre in Glasgow and I know those of you coming along to see it are in for a real swashbuckling time, oh yes you are.

I'm also delighted to announce that I will be performing at the renowned Club Noir New Year's Eve bash this year at the O2 Academy in Glasgow.

I can't tell you what a thrill this is for me as I'm a huge fan of this wonderful event, and because Club Noir is actually in the Guinness World Records as the biggest burlesque club in the world.

It also has its A-list celebrity fans, with both Helena Bonham Carter and Vanessa Paradis visiting the London club, and Hollywood heart-throb Channing Tatum and his wife going along to a Hallowe'en night at the Glasgow club a few years ago.

He attended with his wife Jenna (it's only now I've realised that he is sadly married) when he was filming in Scotland and they loved it so much that they actually used shots of them at Club Noir on their official social media sites, and Channing has since opened his very own burlesque club in New Orleans.

I've decided I'm going all out in a sequins and glitter dress and I'll be performing a mash-up of two very sultry numbers just before the bells.

It's set to be a phenomenal night with world-famous entertainment taking to the stage throughout the evening, and let's face it - if there's a possibility that the men attending will be even a tenth as good looking as that big hottie Channing, it is definitley the place to be for that all important New Year's kiss at the stroke of midnight.

For more information about the Pavilion panto and Club Noir just log onto www.pavilionpanto.com and www.clubnoir.co.uk

I WOULD like to say a massive congratulations to Jim McCabe and all the team at The Disability Community who serve all of North Glasgow for winning the People's Millions on Tuesday night.

All involved work so tirelessly through the year, and this unbelievable win means they can purchase a desperately needed disabled access mini bus.

I had such a great time at the centre in Possilpark in August at their charity bingo night where I got to meet some fantastic people, so I just couldn't be happier for you all. Well done indeed!

A VERY happy Saint Andrew's Day to you all for this coming Sunday. I hope you'll all be celebrating the feast day of our patron saint, as I will be dressed head to toe in tartan, watching Braveheart and belting out Caledonia.

For the less eccentric of you however, there's lots of fantastic events taking place up and down the country.

It's a winter spectacular in George Square with Glasgow On Ice this St Andrew's Day, where you can enjoy skating with a Scottish twist. On the ice, the music will be strictly Scotia and with Scottish food and drink, the fairground and a light show outside the City Chambers, your feast day is well and truly sorted.

For more information log onto www.glasgowloves christmas.com