NORTH-EAST icon Tim Healy is set for a nostalgic return to the area when the television star takes to the stage to remember his early days of working the club scene.

The star of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Benidorm and Open All Hours amongst others will recall his hugely successful career, which still to this day sees him as a regular on national TV.

Healy will be working alongside his friend and BBC Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough in series of events - An Evening With Tim Healy - that begins on Friday, November 16 at Blakelaw Social Club on Cragston Street in Newcastle.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to getting back and having some fun in Newcastle.

“Clubs played a big part in my early days as my career was taking shape.

“When I was working in clubland people like Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown were just starting out and legends like Bobby Thompson, Bobby Pattinson and Brian Johnson with his local group Geordie were the kings – filling the social clubs seven nights a week, and with ease.

“Goffy put the idea of doing some talk-ins and music events to me over in Spain last year and I promised to put some time aside to have a bit of fun with some live shows.

“It will be great to get out and meet those lovely people that have supported my career across the decades. We also plan to help some worthy causes along the way, so really it will be a case of everybody wins.’’

Goffy, who also runs Goffy Media based in Hartlepool, said: “I’m thrilled that Tim has agreed to host some special shows with me he has a fabulous story to tell, and people all over the world love his warm and very engaging personality – he is very much a peoples person.

“His CV is up there with the very best of them and he is a real Geordie icon.

“It will be great to chat with him on stage and recall a magical career and, of course talk about his huge love of our area. He is a super-talented musician and loves to sing and, at some planned events we will look to include his musical talents.

“Tim offers loads on stage in a wide variety of different ways. He is keen to get on stage and have some fun with his many fans.’’

He added: “He wanted to go back to where it all started for him as he has always had a passion for the local clubland scene – as it once gave him a living.’’

For the ‘back to basics’ first gig in the Blakelaw Social Club, Healy will also be joined on the bill by Newcastle-based Bobby Thompson impersonator Tony Washington.

Healy added: “That really will be a throwback for me as the original was the master when I was starting out in the club scene around the North-East. Bobby could fill a club every night and the clubs were rammed to capacity.

“The event will have plenty of variety and it really will be a very special Geordie night. It will be a lovely night full of laughs, music and memories – I’m very much looking forward to it.’’

  • Tickets for An Evening with Tim Healy at Blakelaw Social Club, Newcastle on Friday, November 16 are £15. Call 0191 242 0226 or visit wegottickets.com/goffymedia