THREE stars from one of the region’s best-loved television shows are re-uniting for a special show.

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet actors Tim Healy, Kevin Whately and Jimmy Nail will take part in the 20th anniversary of Sunday for Sammy next year.

The concerts, locally dubbed The Geordie Command Performance, will be held at the Newcastle Utilita Arena on February 23.

Jimmy Nail, who played Oz, said: “It’s hard to believe that it was 20 years ago when we decided to do a concert in memory of our good friend.

“I’m greatly looking forward to getting back on stage with Tim and Kevin again and inhabiting those characters. Playing them is like putting on a comfortable pair of slippers and it’s always a joy.”

The shows were started in memory of Sammy Johnson who appeared in the hit show and Spender with Jimmy Nail.

Kevin Whately, who played homesick brickie Neville Hope, said: “You make it as professional as you can of course, but inevitably because you don’t get any rehearsal to speak of, things do go wrong, and the audience seems to love that as much as anything.”

Tim Healy, who played the gang’s gaffer, Dennis Patterson, is chairman of the Sunday for Sammy Trust, which helps young performers breaking into showbusiness.

He said: “Obviously the show is a great night for us and we love putting on a good show for everyone, but when you’re giving the grants out and be able to really help people, it’s a fantastic feeling.

“We can help in lots of ways, even if it’s just train fares to get to and from auditions; we’ve helped ballet dancers get ballet shoes and equipment; we bought a saxophonist a sax and a cellist a cello; we’ve bought a band a van, all sorts.”

Tickets are £40 plus £1.30 Facility Fee. Booking fees may apply.

To get tickets visit: www.utilitaarena.co.uk or call 0844-493-6666.