PANTO stars Joe McElderry and Lucy Kay took a break from the stage to enjoy a tour of Dudley Zoo.

The musical pair, who are currently appearing in Aladdin at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre, visited the Castle Hill attraction with dancer Katrina Ridley, on Wednesday.

The entertainers got up close and personal with the giraffes and ring-tailed lemurs during a meet and greet, which Britain's Got Talent finalist Lucy described as "an amazing experience".

Joe, who won The X Factor in 2008, said he had "a wonderful morning", although he admitted: "I didn't quite master the lemur feeding."

The zoo's media and communications officer, Rachel Hickman, said: “Joe, Lucy and Katrina were keen to learn more about our animals and our work at the zoo, so we were delighted to show them round."

After an enjoyable morning, it was business as usual as the trio headed back to the theatre for a matinee performance.

Aladdin, which is sponsored by Dudley Zoo, runs until January 22.

For tickets, call the box office on 01384 429212.