TV and film star Ricky Tomlinson is set to return to the region later this month when he bring his 'Christmas Laughter and Variety Show' to the Dormans Club, Middlesbrough, on November 25.

Ricky is famous for his role as 'Jim Royle' in The Royle family, and the lead role in the hit film 'Mike Bassett England Manager' also has strong connections to the region with his regular links to the Durham Miners Gala - he was guest speaker in 2013.

The TV funnyman appeared at a sell-out 'Question and Answer ' style event at the club in September, and he promised promoter BBC Tees radio presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough that he would return with his full cabaret show from his 'Green Room' cabaret venue in the city of Liverpool.

"It really is a first for a social club in the UK," said Ricky. "I took it to several big theatres around the country a while ago, but we have never travelled with it to a social club. They were a cracking crowd and packed the Dormans for me last time. This show will be so very different, as it is a full staged variety event. Full of different variety acts that work or guest for me at my Green Room venue."

"My great friend Crissy Rock from the Benidorm TV series is one of the names on the bill, but I have personally selected the full line-up. I'll be doing my cabaret spot with jokes and songs, not just answering questions like last time. I'm hoping it will lift some of the gloom that sadly is across Teesside after all those horrific job losses at the steelworks," said Ricky.

The Ricky Tomlinson Christmas Laughter and Variety Show is at The Dormans Club, Oxford Road, Middlesbrough on November 25 with a full supporting cast. Tickets are priced at £20 and available from the Dormans Club or Goffy Media tel 07990 588 424.