THE Chuckle Brothers took time out from guest editing the Christmas Eve edition of The Northern Echo to enjoy a quick cup of tea and a natter.

The stars of Aladdin, at Darlington Civic Theatre, popped into Samantha’s Diner, in the covered market, before Monday’s (December 23) matinee show.

Samantha Blackham, who runs the diner, was just eight and part of the MT Laundy Dance School, in Darlington, when she took part in the Chuckles’ first Pantomime, also Aladdin, at the theatre, back in 1985. Paul and Barry Elliott – known to millions as The Chuckle Brothers - have become household names through their iconic children’s programme Chucklevision.

They have worked in practically every field of entertainment from television, pantomime, summer season, clubs, cabaret, touring revues, circus and even an ice-show.

Aladdin runs until Sunday, January 12.

Tickets are available from the box office or by calling 01325-486555.