Pop Idol hosts Ant and Dec have signed up to be part of a star-studded spectacular in memory of actor Sammy (Ronnie) Johnson.

Ant and Dec will be flying back to their Geordie roots following the live showing of Pop Idol on February 3 - and will be joined on stage at Newcastle City Hall by former Pop Idol contestant, singer Aaron Bailey.

A host of celebrities aim to raise funds for the Sammy Johnson Memorial Fund, which was set up by Jimmy Nail and Tim Healy following the untimely death of their friend and fellow actor.

The first concert, two years ago, raised £36,000 to help up-and-coming performers on Tyneside.

Healy, Nail and Kevin Whately will be performing specially commissioned sketches from the writers of Auf Wiedersehen Pet.

Other acts on the bill are Lindisfarne, John Miles, Brendan Healy, Mike Elliott, Denise Welch with stars from Coronation Street, The Bill's Libby Davison, the Viz Team, the McNally Band, Pigmeat, Peter Peverley, Peter Beardsley and Mike Neville, plus a few surprise guests.

The shows are being brought to the stage with the support of Newcastle Brewery, Magic 1152, Tyne & Wear Metro & Viz comics.

Tickets for the shows, at 5pm and 8pm on Sunday, February 3, are available only from Newcastle City Hall Box Office, telephone 0191-261 2606.

The fund is managed by the Community Foundation and has already supported musicians, a ballet dancer, a break-dancing group and a young actor. Anyone interested in applying for funds can call the foundation on 0191-222 0945.