A Middlesbrough-born actor is returning to the North East for the inaugural Tees Valley International Film Festival later this month.  

Coronation Street’s Bill Fellows is making a return to his native Teesside for a public discussion with Paul Gough at the Arc in Stockton over his acting career and how your background doesn’t have to affect your future.

The star has seen success in his chosen career but he has never lost sight of his humble beginnings and his love for his hometown.

Mr Fellows, who was spotted in Darlington town centre on Friday, October 7, said: “I am a very proud Boro lad and I never lose sight of that. People from back home always want to see you succeed, and they will rightly say so, but never forget us! I would never do that and that is why I am so keen to help others fulfil their dreams via this exciting project.

“Í have a clear view of how it was for myself and when I was approached to play a part in the inaugural Tees Valley International Film Festival later this month – I had no hesitation at all in agreeing to be part of it.”

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Bill Fellows will take to the stage alongside fellow Teessider Mark Benton and Tim Healy as they discuss their high-profile careers with BBC Radio Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough on Saturday October 29.

The much-anticipated three-day festival will run from October 27 to 29.

Bill continued: “I, like so many, have had to leave our lovely area to take up work offers through the years but whenever I get the opportunity then I love to get back home to Teesside. When Michael contacted me earlier this year, I didn’t hesitate and told him told him straight away to put me down to be a part of it all. This really is a wonderful opportunity for people to be involved in what we do. It will hopefully encourage others to drive forward with their dreams.

One of the many screenings will be ‘Give Them Wings’ is based on a Darlington man’s battle with meningitis and how being confined to a wheelchair has not stopped him pursuing his ambitions.

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“This is a great time to be involved with the industry as the BBC have flagged up recently their willingness to support independent productions on every level in our area – how good is that?

“Myself, Mark and Tim will be on hand to chat about our own personal journeys. When you are mixing with such great locals that have had huge success such as Mark Benton and Tim Healy you know that the advice they will give will carry loads of wisdom from their personal experiences over many decades.”

Hartlepool filmmaker, Paul Suggitt, is a  filmmaker and his film ‘Surviving Homeless’ is being screened at the festival and there will be opportunities to shine with a prestigious awards ceremony on the Saturday evening, with the famous actors presenting the awards.

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