Jilly Dew's lead pantomime role has been scuppered - thanks to a 7ft goose.

The actress had been due to climb inside her feathered goose costume for a New Year show but its weight left her with backache and unable to walk properly.

Jilly had been given the part of Big Bird in Seaford Operatic Society's show Mother Goose after unsuccessfully auditioning as Queen Gander.

But at 5ft 6in tall, the 55-year-old, of Hamsey Lane, Seaford, found the goose costume too excruciating to stand in, let alone nod and dance during performances.

She was also required to manoeuvre the costume's hidden contraptions to lay golden eggs, which placed even more strain on her troubled back and the costume came complete with flapping wings, honking beak and webbed feet.

Jilly has now quit the role following weeks of rehearsals after taking advice from her osteopath who warned she could do her back permanent damage.

She said: "I gave it my best shot but it really was too much to bear.

"I thought it would be funny as I've never done a part like that - although I've done the back end of a horse before - but in the end just standing proved too much."

Jilly, an amateur performer for more than 20 years who has had back trouble for the last 15, hoped to star instead in the opera section but it is full.

However, she has successfully auditioned as Adelaide Adams in the society's production of Calamity Jane next May.

Jilly's role of Big Bird now goes to pantomime director Linda Fillery, who said: "It's a great part and gets lots of laughs."

The pantomime runs from January 4 to 11 from 7.30pm at the Barn Theatre, Saxon Lane, Seaford. Call 01323 492240 for details.