FANS of Doctor Who, Sherlock and the League of Gentlemen would be well advised to stay close to their computers and smartphones this evening.

The Northern Echo will be broadcasting an exclusive live blog from an 'in conversation' event featuring the actor, writer and novelist Mark Gatiss

Mr Gatiss, who has written and acted in Doctor Who, Sherlock and The League of Gentlemen and starred in Game of Thrones, will be interviewed by Northern Echo editor Peter Barron in a sold-out event at Carmel College, in Darlington.

A live blog of the event – the brainchild of Darlington mayor Gerald Lee – will be broadcast on The Northern Echo website from 7pm on Friday

Mr Gatiss, a former pupil of Heighington Church of England Primary School and Woodham Comprehensive in Newton Aycliffe, became a familiar face from his role as Sherlock’s brother, Mycroft Holmes, and as Tycho Nestoris an envoy from the Iron Bank of Braavos in the fourth and fifth seasons of Game of Thrones.

The live blog will be available online at thenorthernecho.co.uk