FROM the moment the television crew rolled into town, the filming of BBC drama series Harry, became the most talked about event in Darlington.

It was the mid-1990s and residents, not accustomed to the glitz and glamour of the TV world, watched in awe as it became home to film crews and television stars.

Businesses and shops were transformed into film sets, streets were cordoned off to shoot scenes and people turned up in their droves at Darlington JobCentre, eager to sign up as extras and indulge in their own small taste of stardom - myself included.

Besides the excitement of a make-believe drama unfolding on the streets, sightings of Boon star Michael Elphick were met with equal enthusiasm.

The actor, who later went on to appear in EastEnders, became a familiar figure in the town centre bars and pubs.

A self-confessed alcoholic, he was often sighted at the Hole in the Wall pub in the Market Place. Later, when he returned to Darlington in 1996 for a role in panto, he would often pop next door to The Cricketers.

The landlord of the Hole in the Wall, Phil James, remembers Elphick as a down-to-earth character who would often indulge in friendly banter with fellow drinkers.

He said: "Michael used to come in here often, nearly every day.

"He was always very friendly and he was a good laugh. There were no airs and graces. He was just Michael Elphick, a normal bloke.

"I was saddened by his death, but not surprised as he was a big drinker. Michael was a salt of the earth bloke, as good as anyone I have come across."

Despite his heavy drinking, Elphick is also remembered for his gentle, kind side.

In December 1996, when he took the role of Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk at Darlington Civic Theatre, he gave up his Christmas Eve celebrations to visit sick children at the town's Memorial Hospital.

The star spent time handing out goodies to patients on the children's ward.

The theatre's Nick Bagshaw said: "Michael was a talented actor and much loved and very popular with everybody here. He was very down to earth and genuine. What you saw is what you got with Michael.

"His death is terribly sad."