SHAUN Williamson, of EastEnders fame, can be seen on BBC1 on Saturday and every night from Wednesday until Red Nose Day on Friday March 16, raising money for Comic Relief.

Shaun, who is an Honorary Patron of the children's road safety charity Kent and Medway Walking Bus Group and lives in Kent, will be singing his socks off in the Fame Academy contest where viewers can vote for a winner, contributing to the appeal which raised more than £1 million last year.

Regular host Patrick Kielty will be joined by Claudia Winkleman for the live event from the debating chamber in London's County Hall.

The Fame Academy wannabes will be put through their paces and vocal coaches will be on hand to improve their performance and one "student" will be expelled every night.

Melanie Sacre, Shaun's agent said: "All contestants are appearing free of charge making this a genuine fund raising show. We want Shaun to get as many Kent votes as possible so we beat last years fund raising total of more than £1 million. Many charities will benefit both in the UK and overseas."

Shaun will be staring as Fagin in Oliver at the Central Theatre, Chatham, from March 30 to April 7. He is patron of many Kent charities including the Rare Breeds Centre, Canterbury Horse Rescue and Dave Lee's Happy Holidays.