Gavin and Stacey's James Corden stops off for fish and chips at South Shields restaurant

James Corden at South Shields restaurant, Colmans
-Credit:Colmans


One of Britain's best loved comedy performers stopped off for a chippy tea in the North East this weekend.

James Corden, the man behind critically acclaimed TV show Gavin and Stacey, greeted fans and sat down for a slap up fish and chips meal at Colmans on Saturday night. The 46-year-old was in the area for the South Shields Lecture, which was held at Harton Academy.

James delivered the lecture ‘To America and back: James Corden tells his story’, which was sponsored by the University of Sunderland and Durham University, along with Colmans. And after the talk, James ventured over to the hugely-popular restaurant for a meal.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: Newbiggin Hall brute burned own mum with oil from frying pan during shocking attack in her home

READ MORE: Inside Tynemouth's former safe house for Jewish girls where homeowner didn't know its history

James Corden at South Shields restaurant, Colmans
James Corden at South Shields restaurant, Colmans -Credit:Colmans

Speaking of the evening, restaurant owner, Richard Colman-Ord, 32, said: "He was brilliant. Honestly, he's probably one of the best guests we've ever had.

"He was mingling, and really down to earth. He was quite a humble guy and took his time to speak to everybody at the restaurant. He took time out to go around every guest and got selfies, photographs and signed things. He couldn't have done enough.

"From my personal opinion, he's an absolute gem of a guy. He had time for everyone."

Last year, Colmans was singled out by Sunday Times food critics for being one of the 23 best fish and chip shops in the UK. On his visit last night, James ordered scallops to start and then went for a traditional fish and chips with mushy peas main.

James Corden at South Shields restaurant, Colmans
James Corden at South Shields restaurant, Colmans -Credit:Colmans

The lecture series was established in 2001 and is organised by former South Shields MP and Foreign Secretary David Miliband. Speaking in the lead up to the talk, he said: "James Corden is a true British superstar. Having conquered the London stage, British TV and American late-night TV, the South Shields lecture is the obvious next venue.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I promised that the South Shields Lecture would bring global talent to South Shields. After Hillary Clinton’s appearance in 2022 I am thrilled that James Corden is bringing great British talent to South Shields. When I explained to him the history of the town and the lecture he jumped at the chance - but his diary has been a handful."

Gavin and Stacey: The Finale was watched by more than 12 million people when it aired on Christmas Day. The show became one of the most-viewed scripted TV shows of the century.