THE big names from television across the North East - including Brenda Blethyn - are set to return as the date of a major awards ceremony has been set.

Personalities from TV programmes, news and current affars from across the region will meet at the Royal Television Society Awards as it makes a return after a two-year break.

It is understood names such as Blethyn, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope in the hit ITV show, and Steph McGovern have been invited to the event on Saturday, February 26.

Read more: Brenda Blethyn pictured filming for 11th series of ITV Vera in Blyth

Organisers have confirmed the Hilton in Gateshead will be hosting the awards, which will recognise production throughout the pandemic.

Entries have now opened for broadcasters, production teams and content creators to submit their work to a panel of judges.

RTS bosses have said more than 100 entries were submitted for the awards ceremony back in 2019 before the 2020 date was cancelled due to Covid.

Will Nicholson, RTS North East & Border Region Centre chair, said: “It is two years since we were last able to recognise the work of creatives in this region.

"Therefore, it is only right that amongst the usual categories for drama, current affairs, entertainment and production excellence, we introduce additional awards to mark the extraordinary innovations deployed to create content during lockdowns and pandemic restrictions.

"All the team at the Royal Television Society are looking forward to the return of the awards.”

Back in 2019, the ceremony was hosted by Tyneside Comedian and Broadcaster Jason Cook with celebrity guests including Steph McGovern, Brenda Blethyn, Simon McCoy and voice of Strictly Come Dancing, Alan Dedicoat.

Sponsorship opportunities are also now available and details of the 2022 awards celebrity presenter and details on how to buy tickets are set to be released shortly.

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054