NORTH-EAST actor Jamie Bell is due to hit the big screen again in a production of Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby.

The youngster is keen to show he is not a one-hit wonder following the success of Billy Elliott, three years ago.

Then, the 13-year-old schoolboy, from Billingham, Teesside, found himself feted and acclaimed around the world.

He mixed with Hollywood stars such as Julia Roberts, and Russell Crowe, even beating the Gladiator star to win a Bafta best actor award.

Now 17, he is awaiting the release of Nicholas Nickleby in which he plays the crippled Smike.

He said; "The most important thing is to have people who can advise me on what to do. Having them is a lifeline to make sure you don't go down the wrong road."

Jamie and his mother, Eileen, travelled to New York last year to promote the film, which was released in the US to qualify for the Oscar nominations.

Jamie said: "She's my chaperone; the minder who tells the crew I have to stop at 7pm, otherwise their would work me like a dog."

Nicholas Nickleby will be released in cinemas on Friday, June 27.