A £43M shopping complex which is expected to revitalise the fortunes of a North-East town centre was opened yesterday by soap star Stephen Beckett.

Stephen, who is best known as Dr Matt Ramsden in Coronation Street, helped the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Terry Bean, to open Wellington Square, Stockton.

He is currently keeping the nation guessing as to whether he is the father of Maxine's baby in what is the most talked-about soap plot of the moment, but yesterday refused to be drawn into speculation.

He said: "I think it is mine. Ashley believes it is his and Maxine just cries all the time. All I can say is I do not know the answer. You will just have to wait and see."

After signing autographs for the hundreds of fans who turned up to see him, he did some shopping.

He said: "It is fantastic what is happening to the town and the regeneration is great. It has had a hard time in recent years and things look to be on the up.

"I have only been to the North-East a few times and I am certainly impressed."

With 45 shops, creating 400 full-time jobs, the centre will play a major part in the regeneration of Stockton.

Stores at the centre include WH Smith, MVC, Clinton Cards and Pilot. The Debenhams store has been extended by 10,000sq ft and both Marks and Spencer and Littlewoods now have pedestrian access from the High Street on to Wellington Square.

Rob Gildersleeve, centre manager, said: "Wellington Square is set to revitalise Stockton's retail offering as well as enhance the town centre as a whole.

"The Wellington Square Development Company has worked extremely hard to bring this investment to Stockton and the centre looks absolutely amazing.

"It will play a major part in the regeneration of Stockton as well as provide an attractive shopping environment and I am confident it will prove to be a major asset to the town and attract people from throughout the area.