Seeing your idols from the world of music, sport, comedy, TV, film or any other disciple can be a thrill - especially if it's in your local area. 

We are lucky in the North East to have so many famous faces from around the region who still live here. 

While that's the case, there are plenty who like to visit the region, with the North East boasting visits from royalty, as well as big stars like Jenna Coleman, Tom Hardy, and Harrison Ford.

Here are celebrities who have been spotted in County Durham, Darlington and Teesside in 2024:

Harry Redknapp

Former football manager Harry Redknapp enjoyed his first-ever parmo when he visited Middlesbrough in February.

Harry, who has managed West Ham, Bournemouth, Southampton and Spurs, tucked into a parmo from Manjaros before a show at Middlesbrough Town Hall. 

He confessed he had never even heard of the Teesside delicacy before. But after savouring the chicken, cheese and béchamel combination, he said: "That’s a strange taste, but it’s nice."

Read about his full visit here.

Ed Byrne

Also in February, Ed Byrne snapped himself while enjoying a pre-show pint in Darlington.

He popped into the House of Hop on Houndgate for a North East IPA before his show at the Hippodrome.

His support act, Michelle Shaughnessy, favoured a Reef Point AF craft lager.

At the time, Mr Byrne said: "Tonight’s pre-show pint is a North East IPA by Three Brothers Brewing Co. for me and TM Stu and a Reef Point AF craft lager for support act, Michelle Shaughnessy in the House of Hop, Darlington."

Read about his full visit here.

Tony Hadley

Last month, As Raval Indian Restaurant in Gateshead prepared for service on Friday (March 15), they were surprised to see 80s music sensation Tony Hadley and his team come in for dinner.

Renowned for his chart-topping hits with the 80s sensation Spandau Ballet, Tony Hadley's choice of Raval for his pre-concert dining experience underscores the restaurant's status as a preferred destination for discerning patrons and celebrities alike.

Read about his full visit here.

Lewis Miley

Newcastle United wonderkid Lewis Miley was spotted returning to his County Durham home town in January this year. 

Despite his meteoric rise at the Premier League club, which included appearances in this season's Champions League, the teenager still had time to drop into several places in Stanley in County Durham, when he was spotted by a select few people. 

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After growing up in Stanley and attending Tanfield School, the footballer worked his way up the ranks at Newcastle United, before featuring in 18 games this season for the Magpies. 

Read about his full visit here.

Bez

Another celeb who was snapped with a parmo.

Music legend Bez delighted his fans on Teesside last month after he was pictured tucking into a regional delicacy.

The Happy Mondays band member was pictured on the Manjaros Middlesbrough social media account having finished off a Parmo and chips from the popular food place. 

The musician was all smiles as he sat with a takeaway tray filled with the Parmo while wearing a full black Adidas next to a Manjaros bag; making sure he got his Parmo fix.

Read about his full visit here.