This Is Tees Valley This Is Tees Valley - Issue 1 2020 | Page 10

PersonaliTEES
Some were born here, some live here now, but all these
personalities from the world of TV, sport, music, art and
entertainment want to tell us what makes the Tees region special…
Shiulie Ghosh, broadcaster, director
and news anchor
“Teesside is a region of opportunity, an
exciting mix of business and culture. From
coast to countryside, it has something
for everyone. It’s where I cut my teeth in
broadcasting. I’ve travelled all over the
world, but this is where it all started. I’m
proud to say I’m a Teesside girl.”
Paul Smith, singer/musician, Maximo
Park
“As a Billingham lad, I might be biased, but
Teesside is a great place full of kind, funny,
down-to-earth people. Geographically, you're
not far from the beauty of the coast and the
Cleveland Hills. I even find a lot to admire
in the visible reminders of our industrial
heritage that dominate the skyline. Although
I now live in Newcastle, I'm a frequent visitor
to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, and
it's pleasing to see how much creative activity
goes on in the area.”
Tony Mowbray, football manager
“The hard-working values of the Teesside
people have always stayed with me. Even
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Mark Benton
though I’m working in Blackburn, a
two-hour drive away, and I’ve worked in
Coventry, three-and-a-half hours away, my
family home has remained on Teesside. It’s a
fantastic place – full of industry, innovation,
warmth, honesty, humour and beauty. What
more could you want from a place?”
Kirsten O’Brien, TV presenter
“Teesside is fantastic countryside mixed
with industrial landscapes; it’s Captain
Cook; it’s the Transporter Bridge; it’s the
Trincomalee; it’s Middlesbrough Football
Club; it’s parmos and lemon tops; it’s the
world class university, MIMA and the Tees
Barrage; it’s the Ridley Scott-inspiring
industrial landscape; but most of all it’s the
people – their sense of humour, work ethic,
the relentless desire to reinvent themselves
and succeed. That’s my Teesside and that’s
why I love it.”
Mark Benton, TV actor
“I’m a Teessider. I grew up in Grangetown,
one of the roughest council estates – but it
wasn’t rough to me. It was home. Although
I now live in the South, my heart will always
be in the place that shaped me. I love the
people, the town and the football club.
It’s my ambition now to come home and
film something in my hometown. Fingers
crossed!”
Steve McClaren, football manager
“Teesside is a special place that completely
defies inaccurate perceptions. I knew little