The famous North East

Still unfairly known by some as that ‘Neighbours’ guy bearing in mind the quality of films he has starred in like LA Confidential, Memento and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, not many people are aware of his North East link.

Born in England, his family lived in Hartlepool until he was four before moving down under – his mum is reportedly from County Durham.

Not much doubt that Sting is from the North East. As well as being a music legend, the multi-talented Wallsend-born star is also a respected actor having appeared in a variety of movies like North East set Stormy Monday and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Raised in Monkseaton, La Frenais is one of the best writers the UK has ever produced with a novel sized list of credits with writing partner Dick Clement.

While much of their output is TV based – Porridge, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads and of course Auf Wiedersehen Pet to name but three – their film credits include Hannibal Brooks, The Commitments and The Bank Job.

Raised on Tyneside – he played keyboards for Bryan Ferry’s first band – Figgis first made his name in the movie business as he directed Sting and Sean Bean in Stormy Monday.

He went on to make the critically acclaimed ‘Internal Affairs’ and got an Oscar nomination for Leaving Las Vegas.

The Consett born funnyman made his name on TV programmes like Mr Bean and Blackadder before becoming a movie hit with the likes of Johnny English, Love Actually and, ahem, Scooby Doo. Actor Rennie Callum Keith Ian La Frenais