The Northern Echo has paired up with North East radio presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough to bring one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of exclusive meet-and-greet tickets to meet cricket legend and top TV celebrity Phil Tufnell when he stars at an event in Sunderland next month.

As well as a pair of meet and greet tickets, we also have two pairs of tickets for the show Goffy Meets Tuffers, held on Thursday, April 4, for two lucky runners-up. 

The former England spin bowler and former star of A Question of Sport will line up at The Fire Station, Sunderland in an evening hosted by North East radio presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough. Tuffers is promising that there will be so much more than cricket during this special one-off event.

Goffy hosted the hugely popular ‘Goffy in the Morning’ on Century Radio for ten years and the Evening with Phil Tufnell is one of a series of events to mark Century Radio’s arrival in the North-East 30 years ago this year.

Century Radio was launched on September 1, 1994, with studios in Gateshead and Middlesbrough. The station proved a remarkable success across the North East when launched by Managing Director John Myers – better known on air to listeners as the unmistakable John Morgan.

Hartlepool-born presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough would eventually replace John who would head to Manchester to launch Century Radio in the North West.

Goffy said: “It’s only right to remember Century as it hits 30 years in 2024 since its launch across the region. The plan is to link up with some of the stars that played a part in the success of the station.

“Phil Tufnell was one of the first we had a lot of fun with when he appeared during my early days of Goffy in the Morning – so much so that we ended up hosting a local charity show together back then in Sunderland and the sell-out crowd loved him. The fact that he brings to the microphone so much more than cricket makes it work for him as he ticks so many boxes..

“I am delighted, therefore, that he has kept his promise to join me at the magnificent Sunderland Fire Station venue for a very special night looking at his incredible career since those early morning chats we shared.

“Sunderland was a very strong area for us and we built a strong link to Peter Reid during his memorable time as boss at the Stadium of Light. Just going back and saying to the people thanks for making Century Radio so very popular will be doing the right thing.

“The night though is all about Phil Tufnell but it will be an ideal opportunity to flag up a memory of Century Radio with some visuals. The logo was everywhere across the North East for the 15-year period. My old boss John Myers sadly left us in June 2019 and his face will definitely be appearing on the shows that will link to Century Radio around the region this year.”

Phil Tufnell commented: ”I remember Century Radio well from my visits to the North East and I am delighted to be returning as part of Goffy’s 30-year Century anniversary celebrations.

“The people of the North East love their cricket and have supported me massively on TV shows when winning the jungle, the long-running success as Captain of ‘Question of Sport, my laughs on Strictly and loads more.”

Tufnell played for England 62 times and amassed over 300 first-class appearances for Middlesex in a career spanning almost 20 years.

As well as his numerous TV appearances, he is equally at home fronting high profile world cricket events, these days in a radio studio for the iconic BBC ‘Test Match Special’ – or anywhere there is a microphone to be found! His love of finding the lighter side to life has built him a huge fan base.

A host of books also carry his name and Tufnell is a much in demand star guest on the biggest chat shows – his knack of always wanting to bring the fun elements of life to the conversation has made him a hugely popular after dinner speaker too.

Goffy concluded: “ Phil, offers so much more than his cricketing fame. He has had such a varied career and we will also be talking about his many, memorable telly shows – we will take a look at them too. It promises to be a very entertaining and a real fun evening at The Fire Station.”

To be in with a chance of winning, simply fill in the form below.

Goffy Meets Tuffers is at The Fire  Station, Sunderland on Thursday 4th April  2024

Competition closes at 4pm on Sunday, March 31st. Winners will first be contacted by Newsquest then contacted by the event organiser with further details on the prize. 

Full competition terms and conditions can be found here.