ELAINE C SMITH'S reign as Scotland's panto queen could be over.

The comedy star was set to return to the King's Theatre this year in a new production of Snow White.

She was determined to play the Wicked Queen in a production that would also star the hugely popular Andy Gray. And the project had been publicised several times.

But now Elaine's Snow White has been given a poisoned apple in the form of some bad news from the Ambassador Theatre Group, the company which owns the King's.

After three years in the planning, it has been revealed it won't be going ahead.

"I won't be back at the King's Theatre on stage this year," said Elaine.

The actress won't expand on her position. But showbiz insiders say she's very disappointed not to be able to bring a new panto to the city.

She has spent considerable time developing the Snow White concept that she felt would work perfectly in Glasgow.

And she was known to be looking forward to appearing on stage as the Wicked Queen.

This year, the King's will be producing Cinderella instead. And it's understood Elaine was approached to appear. But that won't happen either.

And it looks likely Gerard Kelly, Andy Gray and Karen Dunbar will star.

However, Elaine is not breaking her relationship with the King's Theatre. She will continue in her panto role as associate producer.

The actress said: "I had a really successful time at Christmas with my one-woman show at Oran Mor.

"And I had such great fun with the mix of stand-up comedy, sketches and some songs. The public seemed to enjoy it."

Every night of Smith's run was a sell-out. She could have sold out the venue three times over.

She added: "It looks as though I will reprise that idea this year."

In the short term, Elaine is preparing to go into rehearsals for stage show Little Voice.

Produced by the production company she runs with husband Bob Morton, The film version of Jim Cartwright's play starred Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine.

A spokesman for the King's Theatre said: "Cinderella will be appearing at the King's Theatre from November 28 to January 10. According to producers First Family Entertainment, Snow White had not previously been planned for this slot."

The spokesman added: "Elaine C Smith is a tremendous asset to the King's pantomime in her role as associate producer." Little Voice, The King's Theatre, May 12-24.