John-Paul Stephenson

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet convention: More details announced

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Actors Tim Healy and Melanie Hill are the first guests to be confirmed for the Auf Wiedersehen, Pet convention in September.

Healy, who launched the convention last month, is currently the only actor of the five surviving members of the “magnificent seven” to confirm his attendance at a special dinner to be held at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead.

Melanie Hill, who played Barry’s girlfriend Hazel Redfern in the second series of the cult show, confirmed her attendance this evening live on community station Radio Northumberland.

Sunderland-born Hill is currently appearing in the BBC soap Waterloo Road and will appear in the second series of Hebburn.

A spokesperson for the convention told Giggle Beats that all of the main actors have been invited to attend, but “it is probable that because of the nature of the acting profession that we won’t have definite confirmations until the last minute.

“It all adds to the fun and surprise for the fans on the night too!”

One of the event’s organisers, David Gardner, who co-runs the official Auf Wiedersehen, Pet website, said that he was excited that there will be “as good as everybody in the room at one time.”

Ex-Lindisfarne drummer Ray Laidlaw, who is also co-organising the event, said that the “Brickies’ Banquet” will include pre-recorded video messages from those stars unable to attend in person.

The event will be compered by David MacBeth, who runs the Laughter Surgery comedy nights.

Proceeds from the dinner and the auction will be donated to the Sunday for Sammy Trust, established to support emerging talent in the region.

The Trust holds biannual concerts featuring the Auf Wiedersehen, Pet stars, although Jimmy Nail has not appeared at a Sunday for Sammy concert since 2006.

Series creator Franc Roddam and writers Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais will take part in a Q&A session at the Tyneside Cinema following a screening of an episode selected by fans.

Executive producer Allan McKeown will also be on the panel.

The Auf Wiedersehen, Pet convention takes place from 20-22 September 2013. Tickets for the events can be bought from Tyne Idols.