Kirkcaldy panto favourite's message to fans

Billy, who will instead perform at the Alhambra in Dunfermline, says it was not his choice not to continue his long association with the Kirkcaldy theatre, where he has starred for the last decade.

He says he was told by bosses at OnFife, which runs Fife’s venues, that his services were no longer required earlier this year.

In an email to the Press, Mr Mack said: “Can I just make it known to you that I received a phone call from OnFife saying I was not required this year for pantomime. The reason I am not doing Kirkcaldy is because they did not want me and no other reason.

“I have always made myself available for Kirkcaldy as it is my favourite place to be over the festive period and I feel more at home with my Kirkcaldy family (audience) than I do anywhere else.

“When Bill Fletcher offered me a job at The Alhambra after learning Adam Smith didn’t want me I accepted at once. I only hope the friends I have made in Kirkcaldy will manage a wee trip up the road to Dunfermline and we can resume our relationship there.

“I never turned my back on the people of Kirkcaldy and I really hope you will let your readers know.”

In a Press article last month Heather Stuart, chief executive of Fife Cultural Trust, said it wanted “to be fresh and bold” in its new programme.