North-East icon Tim Healy is preparing for two visits to Teesside in the next few months - and he can’t wait for them!

On Friday, April 12, Healy, will be heading to the Dormans Club in Middlesbrough for a special ‘Evening with Tim Healy’ charity event.

He will be interviewed by BBC Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough, recalling his many years working with some of the biggest names in the business. He will also be performing some of his favourite songs on stage in the second part of the charity evening.

The evening is to raise funds for Healy’s best friend Dave Whitaker –a talented North-East actor who suffered a stroke in 2012 which has left him needing constant care.

Healy said: “Dave, is my great pal and I been able to help him and his family along the way.

“I have received fabulous support from many friends and we stage an annual golf day each year and it really has made a difference to Dave and his daily life.

“The event in Middlesbrough is a chance for further help and the backing has been brilliant from the people of Teesside to the show.

“I love to chat to people about my many roles across the decades and share some memories. The evening will give me the chance to get up on stage to perform some of my favourite music – it’s a full show and people seem to love it.

“Myself and Goffy have done a few of these now and it never ceases to amaze me how people tag certain acting roles to periods of their own lives – I guess the Transporter Bridge / Auf Weidersehen Pet series in Middlesbrough will prompt many in the Boro there !

“Dennis - The Gaffer! - and those wonderful boys around me always seems to be a topic of conversation and memories for so many.’’

Healy has already booked his accommodation in town to join his son Matty and his band The 1975 when they star in the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough - across the weekend of May 25th / 26th.

He said: “I am filming Still Open All Hours with David Jason in South Yorkshire during that period, but I have to be back in Middlesbrough that weekend too I can’t miss this one!

“Matty and the band are so much looking forward to their time in town and I can’t wait to see them on stage in Middlesbrough.’’

The band are fronted by Matty and were recently the big winners at The Brit Awards as their success goes from strength to strength.

Healy added: “I love seeing the lads perform and I do my very best to support them - they are brilliant people and they have a very special bond that really is the backbone of their success.

“Growing up, Matty just loved me performing music around our house. I still remember his face when I bought him his first set of drums aged eight and then his treasured first guitar three years later - it was always on his bed until he fell asleep.

“They were wonderful times and It was a life joy to live those special years with Matty. We shared the love of bands like The Eagles and in particular guitarist Don Felder.

“I have been heavily involved in charity golf events across many years and I remember Matty being in awe of Rick Wakeman when we shared the stage at a charity golf event during his school days – he just never stopped talking about how brilliant Rick was that night - he immediately went to track down Rick’s music.

“Matty, has taken the Healy name to a whole new level and platform. On my travels his fan club always tell me how much he is adored ( and the band) and I am the proudest dad in the world – he is a most gorgeous son.’’

Healy senior will appear on the next The 1975 album with a song he penned all about the life struggle that affects people with depression.

He said: “We recorded the song last year and it was great fun. Matty and the lads wanted me to record it for the album and I loved every second of it – music is a massive part of my life. When I am on stage for my own show I just love the part where I get up and perform my favorite songs - without music where would we be?

“The town is in for a real treat that weekend with the likes of Miley Cirus and Little Mix and loads of other fantastic acts.

“I am thrilled for the Boro as I know the town has had some challenging times of late and this will be a great opportunity to display the many great qualities that the town has to offer via a global audience.

“In many ways Auf Pet did a similar job when the Transporter Bridge was the main focus in series three.’’

An Evening With Tim Healy is taking place at Dormans Club, Middlesbrough on Friday, April 12 at 8.15 pm priced at £15.

For tickets contact Goffy Media 07990 588 – 424 or from the Dormans Club. Or online at https://www.wegottickets.com/event/465210