FORMER Hi-de-hi! TV star Jeffrey Holland has revealed his one great ambition is to stage a one-man tribute show to Bishop Auckland's most famous son - Stan Laurel.

Holland's confession concerning one of history's most revered comics came during yesterday's launch of Newcastle Theatre Royal's pantomime, Dick Whittington.

The star of hit BBC1 shows such as You Rang M'Lord and Oh, Dr Beeching is the dame for the seventh time in Dick Whittington.

Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph took time out from appearing as Miss Hannigan in hit musical Annie at Sunderland's Empire to join Holland at the launch.

Joseph plays a "slightly Dorien-style" Fairy Bowbells with John Nettles, of Midsomer Murders and Bergerac fame, as King Rat.

Confessing that he is an honorary member of the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society, the Sons of the Desert, Holland said: "My dressing room is full of Laurel and Hardy memorabilia.

"The project hasn't come to fruition yet because I'm in no hurry to get it on, but one day I will."

Panto arrangements are more complex than usual for Holland because his partner, actress Judy Buxton, is joining the cast of Darlington Civic Theatre's pantomime Cinderella.

"We won't see that much of each other, even though we are only 40 minutes apart, because Judy doesn't drive and I am doing two shows a day. So we'll see each other at weekends," he said.

The comedy actor's previous visit to Newcastle was in 1976 when he took over the role of Private Walker for a stage version of TV's Dad's Army.

He said: "I arrived late at Newcastle station and asked two policemen what was the quickest way to the Theatre Royal. One of them replied 'run'. That was my introduction to Geordie humour."

l Tickets for Dick Whittington go on sale at the Theatre Royal on Thursday, August 17.

The box office can be contacted on 0191-232 2061.