HE is best known as a TV personality, but Craig Charles has also earned a legion of fans through his DJing skills.

And now the actor, known for his roles in Red Dwarf , Robot Wars and, more latterly, Coronation Street , is bringing his popular funk and soul set to the Tyne Valley.

He has been booked to play the Friday evening at this year’s Corbridge Festival – just one of the big names announced for the ever-growing music festival which takes place on July 7 and 8.

Joining him at the Tynedale Park event is 90s Britpop group Cast, who will headline the festival, From the Jam, featuring original The Jam member Bruce Foxton, and popular ska group The Selecter, fronted by the charismatic Pauline Black.

Craig Charles’s appearance in the line-up has already created a buzz among North-East music fans, but people need to act quickly to see him on their doorstep.

Corbridge Festival organiser Cheryl Durkin said: “Craig has his Radio 6 music programme so he is very much into his funk and soul, and he is amazing live. But because he is playing in the marquee on the Friday evening, there will be limited space. ”

With Craig getting the party started, festival-goers on the Saturday have plenty to look forward to, with all musical tastes catered for. Topping the bill will be Cast, who are well known for hits Walkaway , Alright and Finetime .

Cheryl said: “I’m really excited about Cast. I always try to get the bands I have seen myself a couple of times, and I know they’re going to be great live on the night.”

Another act sure to go down a storm is From the Jam, with the band heading to the Tyne Valley as it celebrates 40 years since the release The Jam’s debut album In The City.

With the original bassist joined in the new line-up by vocalist and guitarist Russell Hastings and drummer Mike Randon, the band will play household hits such as A Town Called Malice and Going Underground .

The Selecter are sure to get people dancing with their two-tone ska set, while Lucy Spraggan, a popular singer/songwriter who found fame while auditioning on the X Factor in 2012, will also perform. Joining the acts on the main stage bill are folk band Keston Cobblers Club, Extra Curricular and Happy Cats.

Further acts for the main stage are yet to be announced, while the entire schedule for the second stage, which will focus on emerging talent, will follow.