Special Sub-Topic: Bonny Lads Authored by: MaggieG Sub-topic of: UK Celebs

Our first Geordie celebrities came to prominence on the children's television series "Byker Grove". Now they present a range of programmes from "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here" to "Pop Idol". Who do we know them as?

Ant and Dec. As their character's PJ and Duncan in "Byker Grove", Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly had various hit records in the early 90s including, "Let's Get Ready to Rhumble". If, like most of the population, you are unable to tell which is which, please remember that they always stand like their names, Ant on the left of the screen and Dec on the right. They were both born in Newcastle.

This knight of the realm first came to the British public's attention with a 'Hovis' commercial. Later cinematic successes have included, "Blade Runner", "Black Hawk Down" and "G.I. Jane". Who is this Geordie film director?

Ridley Scott. Sir Ridley Scott was born in South Shields in 1937, and has achieved huge cinematic success with films such as "Gladiator" and "Alien", as well as those mentioned already. He received his knighthood in the 2003 New Year's Honours List.

As famous for his tears as for his prowess in his chosen sport, this Geordie celebrity wrote about the triumphs and tragedies of his life in his autobiography entitled "________, My Story". What name completes the blank?

Gazza. Paul Gascoigne, who was born in Gateshead in 1967, represented his country at football on 57 occasions, but it was his copious shedding of tears following a booking in Italia '90 which really brought him to the attention of Joe Public. He played for Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Burnley during his colourful career. A self-confessed alcoholic, he is as well known for his drink fuelled excesses off the field as well as his skills on it, but proved, as recently as 2003 that he still has what it takes, when, during a game for the Chinese second division side, Gansu Tianma, he scored a 'hat trick' on his debut for them.

Alan Price began his career with one of the best known bands of the Sixties, but left them at the height of their fame because of his fear of flying, and moved on to a solo career. Which band did he leave?

The Animals. Despite considerable success as a solo artist with such songs as "Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear" and "Jarrow Song", named for the town in which he was born, Alan Price is still best remembered for the haunting organ accompaniment that he wrote for the band's most famous song "House of the Rising Sun".

Oz and Spender are just two of the names associated with the next Geordie celebrity. He's also quite fond of 'Crocodile Shoes'. Who is he?

Jimmy Nail. Jimmy Nail's appearance as the uncouth 'Oz' in the very popular "Auf Wiedersehen, Pet" in the 1980's made him a firm favourite with the British public. He went on to show remarkable versatility when he appeared as a country/rock singer in the series, "Crocodile Shoes", in the 90s and had a successful career in popular music,,, which had begun with the song, "Love Don't Live Here Any More", in 1985. His most successful record was "Ain't No Doubt" which reached number 1 in the UK pop charts in 1992.

Earning his nickname from a striped sweater that he used to wear, this Geordie became ultra famous with his band "Police" in the late 70s and 80s. Sting is now as well known for his interest in ecology as his music, and in 1989 with his wife Trudi Styler and a Brazilian Indian Chief founded "The Rainforest Foundation" to prevent the ravage of the Amazonian regions. But what is his real name?

Gordon Sumner. Born in Wallsend in 1951, this Geordie son of a milkman trained and worked as a teacher before achieving fame with his band.

Robson Green achieved fame following an episode in the series "Soldier Soldier" when he sang a duet with fellow co-star Jerome Flynn, and went on to several chart successes with him. But in which long running medical drama did he first make his name?

Casualty. Playing porter Jimmy Powell seemed to suit Robson Green well as he was able to maintain his Geordie accent. Born in Hexham, Northumberland, he spent his early life in Dudley, just outside Newcastle. His most recent television role is in the series "Touching Evil".

Our next 'Bonny Lad' appeared alongside other Geordie celebs in the series "Auf Wiedersehen, Pet", but is better known for his appearances as Sergeant Lewis, sidekick to the intellectual detective Morse. Who is he?

Kevin Whatley. Kevin Whatley's appearance as the hapless and henpecked Neville in "Auf Wiedersehen, Pet" endeared him to the British public, but the special relationship he developed working alongside John Thaw during the series of "Morse" ensured that he became a household name.

Mark Knopfler, guitarist with Dire Straits, wasn't born on Tyneside but moved there with his family at a very early age so Geordies are very happy to claim him as one of their own. For which appropriately named film did this 'Bonny Lad' provide the memorable soundtrack?

Local Hero. The British made film was a quirky and gentle comedy set in Scotland, and starred Burt Lancaster and Denis Lawson.

Whilst not technically a Geordie, our final celebrity was born in Hexham in Northumberland, not far from Newcastle. His initial television appearances were in "Not the Nine O'Clock News", but he is best known for his appearances with a small teddy bear, and for driving a yellow mini. Who is this final celebrity?

Rowan Atkinson. Rowan Atkinson's appearances as Mr. Bean on television have placed him very firmly in the forefront of British popular 'anti-heroes'. Other famous parts include a vicar in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and Inspector Raymond Fowler in "The Thin Blue Line".