Robson Green reunited with an old friend from the North East in the second episode of his new BBC Two Weekend Escapes series.
The second episode on Tuesday saw Robson head to Teesside, a part of the North East he's "not so familiar with", to meet up with fellow actor Mark Benton on the actor's home turf. Hexham-born Robson, 58, and Mark, 57, born in Guisborough in North Yorkshire, first starred together on screen in the 2004 ITV film Christmas Lights, which spawned the spin-off series Northern Lights and City Lights.
Robson put Mark, who has been making regular trips back to his home town to visit his family for more than 25 years, in charge of the itinerary for the weekend. The pair met up in Middlesbrough and hit the road to head to Saltburn Beach for ice cream, before spending the night at the Hobbit-inspired North Shire campsite in Liverton.
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As they departed Teesside for the North Yorkshire borders, Mark shared his love for the region he grew up in. "I think a lot of people think between Newcastle and York is just a wasteland - but I mean, look at this," he said, gesturing at the stunning countryside.
"It's absolutely beautiful," Robson agreed. "I'm so glad I'm with you, being a place that you grew up in, because you know all of the hidden gems."
Robson and Mark then headed to the picturesque village of Staithes, where they popped into an old-fashioned sweet shop and took an art class, before trying cold water swimming in Stockton. And viewers continued to be delighted by the new series, which airs every weeknight on BBC Two over the next three weeks.
"Love Mark Benton showing off the North East on Robson Green's show," one person said on Twitter. "So lovely seeing childhood haunts."
Another viewer added: "Robson Green's Weekend Escapes is my favourite travel-based show at the moment. It's so refreshing to see a fellow North East-er being proud of where they come from!"
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