DEADPAN comic Jack Dee is the latest star set to appear at Newport's Riverfront next year.

The big name announcement comes after the Riverfront celebrated a bumper opening weekend with thousands of people visiting the theatre and arts centre.

Riverfront director Nicolas Young made the announcement, saying it showed the commitment to bringing the best entertainment to the city.

He also confirmed Blackadder star and presenter Tony Robinson would also appear on dates to be confirmed in the New Year.

Despite being a man of few smiles, Jack Dee is one of the most UK's most popular comedians. He was the face of the John Smiths Bitter advertisements before going on to win Celebrity Big Brother in 2001 and currently has a stand up show on BBC1.

Mr Young said: "When you consider comedy is just a twelfth of what we do at the Riverfront it shows the calibre of acts we are trying to attract here."

The opening gala concert starring Welsh singing sensation Katherine Jenkins and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was hailed as huge success.

More than 3,000 people visited the Riverfront on its opening day to see inside the new facility.

Mr Young said the support from the public was "overwhelming".

Among the other big names to appear at the Riverfront are jazz star Clare Teal, who appeared last night, award-winning comedian Jeff Green, and former ITN and BBC political editor John Sergeant.

A host of celebrities will also be taking part in the Riverfront's debut pantomime, Aladdin, including Trevor Bannister (Mr Lucas from Are You Being Served) and Robert Duncan (Gus from Drop the Dead Donkey). It opens on Friday December 2.

For more information about upcoming events, contact the Box Office on 01633 656757 or visit the website on www.newport.gov.uk/riverfront