Kay Mellor

has called for more northern stars to emerge in drama – as she hands one of the starring roles in the new series of The Syndicate to southerner

Joe Sugg.

The telly writer gave the YouTube star his first TV break in the BBC comedy, which sees him putting on a Yorkshire accent.

Some may say it’s a strange move from Kay, with many real northern actors ready to bite her hand off for the part. ■■The Syndicate, BBC One, Tuesday, 9pm