A much‑loved North East actor and comedian is to be honoured with a Blue Plaque in his home town.
The late Terry Joyce, who died in June 2024, will be commemorated with a plaque at the Iona Social Club in Hebburn Town Centre.
Known for his television roles and his vibrant presence on the comedy circuit, Mr Joyce was born on Cambridge Avenue in 1953 and remained deeply proud of his Hebburn roots throughout his life.
His son, Terry Joyce Jnr, recalled one of his father’s favourite jokes and the lasting impact of his career.
Mr Joyce Jnr said: "Dad used to tell people he was a Cambridge graduate.
"Quite a few believed him before he explained that he’d been born in Cambridge Avenue, Hebburn.
"That was typical of his sense of humour.
"As a family, we’re incredibly proud to see Dad recognised in this way.
"He loved Hebburn and was proud of where he came from.
"To have a Blue Plaque in the town he loved so much is a tremendous honour and something that would have meant a great deal to him."
The plaque will be unveiled on Friday July 17 at 12 noon, with members of the public invited to attend the ceremony and join the family afterward for a celebration event at the club.
Mr Joyce found early success as a comedian and entertainer in North East clubland before moving into television.
Audiences will remember him from shows such as Hebburn, Spender, Byker Grove, and Tyne Tees TV’s Super Gran, in which he played PC Rupert Leekie.
He later became one of the UK’s most in-demand after-dinner speakers, regularly sharing stages with football legends such as Jack Charlton, Paul Gascoigne, Kevin Keegan, and Alan Shearer.
Despite his national success, Mr Joyce remained committed to his home community, frequently supporting local charities and fundraising events.
The plaque forms part of South Tyneside’s Blue Plaque programme, which celebrates individuals and places that have made a lasting impact on the borough’s history and heritage.
Mr Joyce Jnr said: "Dad loved making people laugh, helping others and never forgot his roots.
"Hebburn was always in his heart.
"Our Dad touched so many lives.
"Hardly a day goes by without someone stopping us to share a memory or reflect on the joy he brought during his time with us.
"Whether it was through his television work, his comedy, his after-dinner speaking or simply meeting people along the way, he left a lasting impression on so many.
"The affection people still have for him is incredibly moving.
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"So much of what he did continues to resonate with local people and far beyond, which is why this honour means so much to our family."
Following the unveiling ceremony, all are welcome to join the family inside the club for an afternoon of stories and shared memories.
Mr Joyce’s plaque is one of three to be awarded in 2026, alongside tributes to Cookson’s Glassworks Chimney and Pam Vedhara MBE.
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