NE Online Magazine Issue 13

Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself?

- Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am.

So there.

At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far?

- Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves.

I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out?

- Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

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Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents?

- Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird.

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about?

- My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out.

How has the response for Hebburn been so far?

- Overwhelmingly positive.

And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series!

You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this?

- Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about?

- The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

We l c o m e N o t e .

N o v e m b e r i s a B I G m o n t h fo r o u r N o r t h E a s t f i g h t e r s , s o m e a r e fe a t u r e d i n t h i s v e r y i s s u e . We h a v e J a m e r s “ T h e J u g g e r n a u t ” M u l h e r o n d e fe n d i n g h i s Made 4 the Cage title, Alex Enlund f i g h t i n g fo r t h e C a g e Wa r r i o r s b e l t at the Metro Radio Arena alongside Shajidul “Superman” Haque and Liam “ B a d I n t e n t i o n s ” J a m e s . M i c k y Te r r i l l has just returned from fighting K1 in S w i t ze r l a n d a n d w i l l b e r e t u r n i n g t o D U E L t o d e fe n d h i s t i t l e i n t h e n e x t fe w m o n t h s . D u e l w i l l b e b a c k fo r i t s 3 r d s h o w, j o i n i n g fo r c e s w i t h B U D O F C .

I t ’s a g r e a t m o n t h fo r N E s p o r t s .

As always, if you have something you want to see in a future issue then d o n ’ t fo r g e t t o d r o p u s a n e m a i l t o contact@neonlinemagazine.com Till next time Ta ke c a r e Wa y n e

EDITOR & DESIGNER Wayne Groves wayne@neonlinemagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS Ian Berry Photographer www.ianberry.co.uk info@ianberry.co.uk

SPONSORS Cineworld Boldon www.cineworld.co.uk SCREEN-CON www.screen-con.com The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org Ocean Beach Pleasure Park www.oceanbeach.co.uk Quasar Elite South Shields www.quasarsouthshields.co.uk For all queries or if you would like to feature or advertise in NE Magazine email wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com Unless stated otherwise all competition entries should be sent to win@ neonlinemagazine.com Plus you can catch up with us online for news, events, blogs, competitions and more at www.neonlinemagazine.com Follow us on Facebook - http://www. facebook.com/pages/N-E-OnlineMagazine/248245728604190 join us on twitter @NEOnlineMag

Greame Baty Photographer www.facebook.com/ GJBPerformancePhotography g.j.baty@gmail.com Karl Keogan www.skindeepphotography.com Derek Brettle www.facebook.com/ lastlaughcartoons lastlaughcartoons@gmail.com Spikeybwoy Photography www.facebook.com/ SpikeybwoyPhotography

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P6 James “The Juggernaut” Mulheron P10 Micky Terrill P16 Alex Enlund P20 Shajidul “Superman” Haque P26 David Weild P32 Femi Taylor at Teesside Unleashed 4

P39 TU4 Photo Competition P46 The Chocolate Smiths P54 2 Geeky Guys P60 TM Supplements P67 TU4 Pics by Spikebwoy

SCREEN-CON has firmly established itself as the fan favourite of all the conventions that take place here in the North East. It is a well ran event ran by fans for fans, something that clearly shows.

Despite the pressure and bully boy tactics of some of the bigger conventions, SCREEN-CON is back and it is even bigger!

Saturday May the 3rd will see the Park Leisure Centre in North Shields invaded by all manner of creatures, monsters and very recognisable people from the world of Sci-Fi and Fantasy., Film and TV, Comics and Books, even the odd Computer Game Character thrown in for good measure.

Expect to see all of your favourites from Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, Marvel and DC plus a whole hos of characters you may not be so familiar with. One thing that is guaranteed...every one is going to have an amazing time.

Doors open at 10am for those with the early bird tickets, those paying on the door will be let in from 11am onwards, but judging from the previous 2 SCREENCONS I would suggest you

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get there early to make sure you don’t have to wait ages.

Though the one thing that is guaranteed, unlike other supposed “Big Conventions” who shall remain nameless, If you come to SCREEN-CON then YOU WILL ALL GET IN! Granted, you may have to Q for a little while, you won’t be stuck outside in the cold all day. This convention does actually look after it’s fans and will make sure you are not left waiting for hours.

The line up for SCREEN-CON 2014 is looking fantastic.

They have some great guests in attendance, all wowing the crowds with photo’s, autographs and some good banter. You will have to pay extra for autographs but you won’t be charged silly money for them and you won’t have

to pay more for a photo and you will not be herded through like cattle only there to fill someones bank balance. As I said earlier, this is a convention ran by a fan for the fans.

So this issue will introduce you to the guests appearing at this May’s SCREEN-CON as well as showcase last years SCREAM-CON which was held at the Park hotel last October.

We will have the winner of the Horror Short Story Competition plus we will be showing off the photo’s that you all sent in from SCREAMCON with prizes going to our favourite photos. It is time to wet your appetite and get you all excited for Saturday May the 3rd and the return of SCREEN-CON 2014...I can’t wait!

the juggernaut We catch up with Made 4 the Cage British and European Heavyweight Champion James “The Juggernaut” Mulheron

Name.

James “The Mulheron

Juggernaut”

Age. 26 Where you are from? South Shields Record? 6-0-0 (W-L-D) We have to ask, where did the nickname come from?

My dad came up with Juggernaut, he said when I first started “it’s going to take a lot to stop u” lol.

Shields leisure centre.

If you could fight anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

It would have 2 be Cain Velasquez (The current UFC Heavyweight Champion) How often do you train?

I train 2-3 times a day 6 days a week when I am in training camp

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

When I beat Stavros, I used to watch him when I first started so even just getting the chance to fight him would have been a dream come true.

You are currently the undefeated Made 4 the Cage British and European Heavyweight Champion, does this add any pressure when you’re fighting or does it motivate you more?

Being the Champion of Made 4 the Cage doesn’t really faze me, when I fight my mind set is always the same, beat whoever is in front of me.

Tell us 3 random facts about yourself?

I love playing Golf, watching dvds and spending time with my family.

How did you get into MMA? When I was 18 my dad told me to come and try out this new thing every1 is getting into, mma, he gave me a beating and I fell in love with it.

They say fighting is not a hobby, it’s a way of life, how does this apply to you?

It was a hobby at first but now it’s a job. The amount of stuff I go through in a training camp mentally and physically makes it less and less enjoyable now though lol.

Where do you train at the moment?

I am training at the Barbell Club in Jarrow ran by coach Steve Williams and also at Fitness 2000 in Sunderland.

When and where was your first ever fight?

My first fight was over 6 years ago and it was at South

don’t be afraid to get into it, everyone has to start somewhere.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get started in MMA? If you love the sport then

What is the hardest part of being a fighter for you?

For me it’s the sacrifices you have to make during a fight

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camp, like at family or social events you can’t just eat what you want or drink what u want.

Who has been your toughest opponent to date?

My last fight against UFC veteran Neil Wain, he was very experienced and a clever fighter so the victory over him was massive.

And what has been your proudest moment?

Every time I fight and see my dad’s face when I win.

We keep hearing UFC and your name in the same sentence, give us your thoughts on this?

I just need 2 concentrate on my next fight, the UFC know who I am now so I’ll get a call when they are ready.

Who or what inspires you and drives you on in MMA? My dad and my family and friends all play a part in driving me in mma.

When you are not training or fighting what do you like to do to relax?

My favourite thing is to play golf, it completely relaxes me.

My next fight is 29th of November for Made 4 the Cage What’s your aim for 2014?

My aim is to keep winning in 2014 and hopefully get a call from the UFC. How can people follow you and keep up to date with your fights?

Everyone can follow my page on

Facebook james “the juggernaut “ mulheron also on twitter @ MulheronJames Is there anything you would like to add?

A massive thanks to my fans for supporting me and also to my sponsors...

Mem HVAC specialists Aardvarc Richmond Taxis The Rooftop Bar The Barbell Club H2N Nutrition Fitness 2000 RHA Clothing Smuggling Duds Trojan Sports UK Jordan’s Club Paul Davis TV Aerials thank you all so much.

For more info on Made 4 The Cage or to get tickets for The Juggernaut’s Title defence go to www.made4thecage.co.uk A big thank you to Angy Ellis Photography for the photo’s, check her out on Facebook and her website www.angyellis.co.uk

When are you fighting next?

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At the Manor with

The Meerkat My name is Micky Terrill and I’m 31 years old. I’m from North Shields I’ve had 44 fights:Thai/k1- 30fights 27W 3L Boxing- 14 fights 11W 3L 3 random facts about myself are:- 1# I’m an electrician.

2# I don’t drink alcohol 3# I eat cakes every day even when cutting weight.

How did you get into K1?

I got into k1 through Barry Norman, he runs a very tough and renowned thai gym in Newcastle. It was predominantly a thai boxing gym but Barry’s lads are always good thai boxers, k1 fighters and boxers. Barry oozes toughness and expects it from all his fighters. I turned up aged 22 bored of playing football which I played 5 times a week and fancied taking up boxing. Some of my boxing friends recommended Barry’s but told me to try thai boxing as it was a tougher sport.

Where do you train at the moment?

I currently train at northern kings with Craig Jose who is also once one of Barry’s lads. And I also run a class in wallsend called ‘the manor’ due to my fight nick name being ‘the meerkat’.

When and where was your first ever fight?

My first fight was at Master Skens Super Show in Manchester in 2005 which I won.

If you could fight anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could fight anyone it would be Jack Dempsey, he

had a very exciting style with a killer left hook, it would be nice to feel his power.

Do you have a walk out song?

I used to come out to Otis reading’s ‘love man’ but I now predominantly like coming out to Stevie wonders ‘superstitious’ these days. I prefer more laid back or non aggressive style of walk out song as I would hate to come out to a provocative song and loose.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get started in K1?

My advice to anybody wanting to start in k1 or any martial art is to be prepared to go on your own, there’s lots of people who come in teams of 2 with their friends, as soon as the friend cannot make it they don’t come either. Also if you do get hit a few times at the start of your new hobby realise your not made of glass and will not break, your body can take a lot. Eventually the sport will make you very good at understanding your own

body. in time you will realise when you have been clipped if the pain will go away in the next minute or two, or when you are actually injured and have to stop.

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

My most memorable moment to date is when I beat Romy Da Silva on Eiko show in Newcastle, it was for a WKF

International Belt, it was the last show my late grandad attended.

They say fighting is not a hobby, it’s a way of life, how does this apply to you?

Fighting does become a way of life, my wife is always complaining that all I talk about is the gym or fighting, but you spend most of your free time there I’ve got not nothing else to talk about haha but I love it, I get paid to hit people, you can’t beat that shit.

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What is the hardest part of being a fighter for you?

The hardest part of fighting for me is a boring one, it has to be like all fighters the dieting.

Who has been your toughest opponent to date?

My toughest opponent to date would have to be Romy Da Silva, he beat me in the first fight and in our second fight I beat him.

But in both fights he was talking to me non stop, saying to me “go on Mick knock me out, see if you can” haha he’s crazy, I was throwing everything and the kitchen sink at him and he wanted more lol.

How does it feel to be fighting abroad on a huge show, is it different to fighting on a UK show?

Fighting abroad can be tough; you are away from friends and family with lots of travelling to do. Fight day is always gonna be a nervous day, but you’re made to feel very welcomed and people are very friendly in Romania, they love the fight

game over there. You can get a bit nervous when getting in the venue you know your opponent is gonna be of good stock and the whole world is watching but once you’ve got your wraps on it’s time to play. It’s a good buzz. When fighting at home it’s also a good feeling although it’s not as big a show you can bump in to lots of friends no matter what part of country you are in. I personally love the local shows around Tyneside, there’s always a big buzz in them and the crowd really get behind their favourites.

When you are not training or

fighting what do you like to do to relax?

When I’m not training I love nothing more than sitting on my settee watching a film with a cake in my hand.

What’s your aim for 2014?

There’s another 4 man tournament in Romania in October at 86kg I’m looking forward to that and will enjoy fighting at my natural weight.

How can people follow you and keep up to date with your fights?

People can follow me on Facebook at Micky TheManor Terrill

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NE catches up with future CWFC World Featherweight Champion Alex Enlund

Hi Alex and welcome to NE, how about telling our readers a little about yourself?

I’m a professional MMA fighter from South Shields, I also coach at Sixth Sense MMA in South Shields

finish the fight with a triangle choke in the third round.

Most dangerous would either be Romanowski who was a top Polish prospect or Artem Lobov both where hard hitting southpaws.

You are one of the North East and UK’s top up and coming fighters rising in the rankings and tipped for big things, so how did you get started in MMA? I was told about a class that was ran by one of the security and I went to give it a go. At the time I had no idea what MMA was.

What has been your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

I would say winning my last fight on Cage Warriors and having my name mentioned as being in contention for a World Title. (JUST BEFORE GOING TO PRESS IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT ALEX WOULD BE FIGHTING FOR THE CWFC WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE ON CAGE WARRIORS 73)

How many fights have you had?

I have had 13 fights as a professional winning 10 and have lost 2 with the other being called a no contest. I also had 5 amateur fights.

Who has been your toughest opponent to date?

Toughest is a guy called Simon Neal who I beat up for 13 minutes, hyper extended his arm and managed to

You are going to be fighting again in November at the Metro Radio Arena for Cage Warriors 73, how will it feel to be fighting in your home town with such a big crowd behind you?

It will be great, one of the things that really motivates me is seeing people who are inspired by my hard work. I

coach a lot of young talented fighters and having them there to support me will only make me stronger.

All of your hard work and dedication is starting to pay off now that you are climbing the rankings and being so hotly tipped for the UFC, give us your thoughts on these rumours?

I have no doubts I will one day fight in the UFC but first my goal is to beat Nad Naramani in Newcastle. I have complete faith in my management Intensiti FM to take care of my career and I it’s my job take care of my opponents.

Some fighters have the same walk out song, yet you are well known for changing yours and having some unusual songs played, is there a reason behind this?

For me fighting is fun, I don’t take my walkout too serious.

Training and competition is serious everything else is just part of the show.

Fighting for a living is hard

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enough, but you have an extra obstacle you have to overcome, how much harder does it make it for you having to deal with Chron’s disease?

I suffer from Chrons disease and ulcerative colitis and have done since I was 19.

I would be wrong to say it doesn’t have an effect but it won’t stop me. Many famous athletes such as Steve Redgrave have been very successful despite having this illness.

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Describe a typical week for you when preparing for a fight?

My daily routine and what aspect of training I am doing varies but I will wake up eat breakfast, I will then go train have a short break and refuel before I train again later. I will then go to Sixth Sense MMA teach privates and classes before heading home to eat and sleep before doing it all again. My life is always hectic but it’s more exciting than working at a desk.

Do you train with a club or

several?

I train with a group of Pro MMA fighters from the North East. The NEVT team is huge and I couldn’t ask for a better group of sparring partners.

Peter Irving runs 3 sessions per week aimed at our specific fights, weaknesses and refining our strengths. I

also do Thai boxing with Craig Jose at Northern Kings and

S&C at the functional fitness studio.

If you could fight anyone, past or present, famous or not, who would it be and why?

Sakuraba I just think it would be great to share a ring with such an iconic figure of MMA. When you are not fighting what do you do?

If I’m not fighting, training, coaching reading, watching fights then I’m probably with my partner Melissa we are addicted to the Blacklist at the minute so most likely watching that.

You coach the very successful team of Sixth Sense MMA, how do you find it training other guys when you still compete yourself?

It’s easy I separate the fighter from the coach. All of my own training is often done by the time I coach on a night. Fighting shows I’m still learning and it means I’m offering fresh ideas to my students and also leading from the front. I never make

them do something I wouldn’t do.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start off in the sport?

Just start. Most people who want to start off won’t. They will make excuses or be waiting for their friend. Training martial arts improves you physically and mentally the earlier you get involved the better.

Tell us 3 random facts about yourself?

The most frequently played albums on my I pod are Jay Z, Arctic Monkeys and Blue.

I’m a messy person, I can’t multi task so cleaning as I go is impossible.

I’m a recovering coffee addict, I used to average 5-6 cups per day. I’m also a coffee snob and despise instant coffee.

What can we expect from you in the future?

You can expect me to be always improving, fighting, winning and offering the highest level of coaching.

Where can people follow you and keep up to date with you?

On twitter @AlexEnlund or on Facebook Alex Enlund MMA Fighter Is there anything you would like to add?

A huge thank you to the following Profixing Stoneys Barber Shop Momotaj Lean Greens TM Nutrition Top Gun Tattoo Coxons Electrical Services Good luck for November and we look forward to seeing big things to come.

FOR INFO ON SIXTH SENSE MMA VISIT www.sixthsensemma.com

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Shajidul Haque Name: Shajidul “Superman” Haque Age: 23 Where you are from?

I was born in Bangladesh but lived in South Shields England since 3 years old.

Record? 5wins-1Loss Where did the nickname come from?

People in the gym were coming up with daft fight names, and then I said I’m more like ‘Superman’ as I always had to train with and fight bigger people and was the underdog most of the time and always overcame the odds. Superman was also my childhood superhero.

This was shortly before an amateur (NSAC A Class) fight against Brent Crawley from Rough House where I was a huge underdog and a lot of people were saying I’m crazy to fight. My coach then said

if I overcome these odds I can earn the name Superman! And the rest is history.

Tell us 3 random facts about yourself?

1) I’m a chocoholic; I dread the size I will be when I retire.

2) Undefeated out of 6 K1 and boxing Fights 3) I have a First Class Bsc (Hons) Degree in Sports Coaching, finishing with the highest result on my course.

How did you get into MMA? I was always into martial arts; I loved watching Jet li, Jackie Chan and Tony Jaa type movies and always been a fan of Mohammad Ali and Bruce Lee. I started off doing a little bit of boxing just with friends at a local weights gym that had one boxing bag and a small room where we would spar for fun. A year or so after at aged 14, I found Fighting Fit which was originally just a Kick-

boxing and Muay Thai club but later transitioned to MMA. Where do you train at the moment?

I still train at South Shields Fighting Fit and am also a coach there now.

When and where was your first ever fight?

My first ever competition was at the South Tyneside Open kickboxing competition in 2006, I won my category and was instantly addicted to the feeling of victory.

But my first MMA fight was at the end of 2006 in a local show called Valhalla in Gateshead. I had only trained grappling for 6 weeks and although I didn’t lose the fight, it was a draw, I discovered how effective the ground game is.

If you could fight anyone past or present who would it be and why?

Bruce Lee, he is a small guy like me and I would love to witness his

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strength, speed and skills in real life. Also, he beat Chuck Norris!

Do you have a walk out song?

I do but it’s just a remix I came across on YouTube called ‘Smallville- its superman’ it went with my fight name and had a good beat and I been using it since.

How often do you train?

I am always doing some sort of training all year round but the volume and intensity of my training various depending on whether I am preparing for competition or not. I usually train 6 days a week and up to twice a day when I am preparing for a fight.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get started in MMA? With MMA being unlicensed, my advice is to be careful of the club you train at as there are many gyms with coaches who are not experienced enough to coach and can ruin one’s experience of the sport; a little research into the team and coach is worth doing. The most important thing is to make sure you are enjoying the training and feel welcomed in the gym, if not then you should try a different club. I have written a short blog on this topic which will be up soon on the

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Fightstore Pro website.

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

I have had many memorable experiences in my MMA journey, but I think breaking my arm in a fight in early 2008 has to be amongst the top. It was a huge turning point for me in my MMA Career. I was not sure if the sport was for me and considered quitting, but when I discovered I was going to make a full recovery, plus other things happening in my life, my motivation was sky high, I had a lot of frustration to let out. I starting training far harder and was adamant of making up for the loss and proving to myself I can make something out of this. I then went on a 15 fight win streak (Ama MMA, pro MMA, Boxing and K1).

When you are not training or fighting what do you like to do to relax?

I’m usually always training for a fight or coaching other guys to get ready for a fight. It’s very rare that I’m not doing either or, so my brain is always thinking MMA. But to me this is what I love so I don’t suffer from too much stress or anxiety from it. However when I am not in fight camp, I do eat lot of chocolate and you could say that seems to relax me, or

it could just be the constant crashes from the sugar rush.

When are you fighting next?

I am not sure when I will be fighting next, as I am recovering from a broken thumb so it will depend on how that recovers. Cage Warriors returns to Newcastle in November so I would like to be fit to fight on that if I do not do so before then. (Shajidul Haque has got his wish as he is indeed fighting at CAGE WARRIORS 73 at the Metro Radio Arena on November 1st)

What’s your aim for 2014?

If I am not already, I would like to think I will be in line for the Cage Warriors Vacant flyweight title either by the end of 2014 or the beginning of 2015.

Nevertheless, my aim is always to keep moving forward, I just take each fight as it comes.

How can people follow you and keep up to date with your fights?

People can like my athlete page on Facebook “Shaj ‘Superman’ Haque”, follow me on Twitter @SupermanShaj, read my blogs on the Fight Store Pro website, or just keep watching Cage Warriors till I’m on!

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would like to give a shout out to my sponsors that always help me out. FightStore Pro and Revgear for kitting me out in the best gear, H2N Nutrition for providing me with all of the essential supplements, FunkyGums for the best quality gum shields and my management Top Throne for getting me the best match ups.

Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself?

- Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am.

So there.

At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far?

- Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves.

Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents?

- Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird.

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about?

- My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out.

Photos by DolWarriors

I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out?

- Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

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Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about?

- The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

ly Clew/Cage

How has the response for Hebburn been so far?

- Overwhelmingly positive.

And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series!

You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this?

- Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

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fighting talk with the one and only David Weild Hi David and Welcome to N E Magazine, thanks for taking the time to speak to us.

It’s a pleasure, Wayne, thank you for having me.

First off let’s find out a little bit about you?

I’m David Weild, 36, and I’m from Walker, Newcastle. I am the co-operator of the NE6 Suite function room, and NE6 Events, along with my brother Paul. Besides these, I have also launched an exciting new combat promotion called Duel Fight Sports.

So what is DUEL and how did it come about?

Well, Duel is a fight promotions company that focuses on organising highlevel, professional K-1 kickboxing events. It was born out of my own love for the sport and the fact that I wanted to see certain top professionals fight each other, and those fights were simply not happening. So I made them happen. I always loved the original Japanese K-1 and followed it for years, and I seen it as a shame that other promoters were cashing in on its popularity but with poor standard matchups, with low skill. Thus, Duel was born.

How long have you been a promoter and how did you get started as one?

I organised my first event in 2010, which was a mixed boxing & kickboxing event.

It was only a small show in a local social club and had 10 novice fights on. It was a valuable learning curve. I really got into the game as a hobby. As I’ve said, I love the fight game, however, after

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major surgery in 2006, I could no longer do any form of competing myself, so thought this would be a great way to stay involved to a degree. I’ve also dabbled with refereeing and judging.

What’s so special about K1 compared to other sports out there?

It’s simply the most exciting stand-up combat sport around. The whole format is geared around speed and explosiveness, and the rules are quick to learn and a fantastic bridge between boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai. And as we’ve seen over the years, many exciting bouts have happened between fighters from the different styles going head to head in K-1.

Why should people come to DUEL rather than another show?

Well, we are trying to appeal to the more knowledgeable crowd. That doesn’t mean that we exclude anyone as every fan I am sure will enjoy

the K-1 style of fighting. The time and effort we put into matchmaking some of the UK’s best fighters, I feel is more appreciated by spectators that have followed the sport for a while as they know who the true champions and challengers are. We already have signed with us some of the biggest names in the UK K-1 scene in Jamie Bates, Mick Terrill, Karl Langley, Mike Egan, Romy Da Silva, and we’re constantly looking at expanding our roster. So, if people want to see a high standard of skill by reputable names, then come along to a Duel Fight Sports K-1 event, you won’t be disappointed.

People think being a promoter is easy and will make you a fortune, I know that’s not the case but can you give our readers a rough idea of what you have to go through to put on one show?

Where do I start? Well, as an independent promoter like myself, I don’t run a gym or have my own fighters at hand, so that itself makes it

harder. Lots of rapport has to be built with coaches in order to win their trust. You can only do this I believe, by being honest and honourable in what you do. I take a lot of pride in what I do. I believe that my own strength lies in my fair matchmaking, and this alone has helped loads with fighters, coaches and fans alike all spreading the word as to the quality of the fights we had on Duel 1. As far as money goes, you can make a fair bit of profit on certain shows if you pack the fight card with unpaid amateurs, juniors, or novice-level pro’s, but that’s certainly not what Duel is about.

If you could have 1 fight on your show featuring anyone in the world who would it be and why?

Now that’s a hard one. I think

I would have to say definitely Alistair Overeem for starters, and maybe against Tyrone Spong. Two World class, Dutch athletes that were top of the tree. I think no matter how many times they fight each other it would be explosive.

The North east has a lot of other shows, how do you feel about there being so many?

Is it a good or bad thing?

It’s good and bad. If everyone read from the same book with regards to rules, weight divisions, and a general standardisation, then it would be awesome. Fans are spoilt for choice with fight shows, unfortunately, they’re not spoilt for choice with quality shows. Every promoter has a lot to offer, we all just need to work in harmony with each other and cut out the petty

rivalry and bad mouthing each other. We have some incredible fight talent here in the North East, and the potential to have one of the best fight circuits in the UK. What is the biggest problem you encounter as a promoter?

Pull outs. Worryingly, it’s happening more often. I don’t know if this is a side effect to having so much choice for fighters to fight on, but it seems almost every show gets hit by a big number of pull outs. There’s obviously a percentage of genuine reasons for a fighter to withdraw, but I’d say it’s happening now more than ever and it causes a big problem for the promoter, and it’s a big shame for the opponent who has worked hard I training to be let down last minute.

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This was a something that happened very quickly. I’d always struggled to find a suitable venue to host a fight show. Most venues wanted silly money to hire the place yet they were making a killing from the bar also. Well, one day I was chatting to the manager of a local bingo hall who also owned the lease on the building. So, I decided to ask to view it. First time I went in and seen the fabulous, original 1929 theatre seats on the balcony, and general layout I just said “yes”. Spoke to my brother who had been headhunted to work as a business developer for Harrods’ events department in London, and he handed his notice in once he seen the place and moved back to Newcastle. And that’s it.

When you’re not hard at work how do you like to relax?

I find it quite hard to switch off a lot of the time. I’m either thinking about fights, events that would go down well at the NE6 Suite, or generally other things that I could branch out into. When I do switch off I appreciate the simple things; restaurants, cinema, watching my son play football, family holidays, etc.

I used to do a lot of karate, kickboxing and self defence type training, but I’ve become a bit lazy these past few years.

Tell us 3 random facts about yourself?

I am a strong believer in humility & respect I love backpacking I always play devil’s advocate because I’m awkward So what have you got lined up for the rest of 2014?

It mostly revolves around growing the Duel brand both here in the UK, and abroad.

People don’t realise but ‘Duel’ has been licensed out

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to promoters in Romania, Ghana and Mexico, each have held their own Duel events and created some fantastic tournaments. I’ve already had established promoters in Armenia, Spain and Portugal, wanting to be part of the Duel brand and circuit, which I’m hoping to create a grand prix in 2015. Another project that also excites me is that Duel has been asked to become the UK promoter of a newly formed, joint Muay Thai & K-1 promotion, and we will be running the UK event either late 2014, or early 2015.

How can people follow you and keep up to date with DUEL? You can catch up with the latest developments via the facebook pages Duel Fight Sports and Duel Fight Sports International. We’re a bit slow on Twitter but it’s @Weild.

And finally, www.duelfights. com As well as running DUEL you also run the NE6 Suite, tell us a bit about that?

The NE6 Suite has quickly gained a reputation as the place to hold fight shows North of the river, why do you think that is?

I think it’s mainly down to the fact that my own knowledge allows me to see the benefits of ‘working with’ promoters and actually trying to help them, as opposed to just milking them for every pound you can get like venues do. To me, I would rather help make a promoter’s event succeed as everyone benefits from that; promoter, fans, fighters, and of course, the venue, and the aim of course is to get repeat business. This concept works. A first-time promoter at the NE6 Suite can use the venue for free and we will pay half of the security cover for them. If the event does well, the next time we will then renegotiate. More often than not we can reduce a promoter’s costs by around £450, and that’s ‘excluding’ any money they would normally pay to a venue in rent. Today, we’re hosting; Knuckleforce, Brawl in the Hall, Fight Fest Championship, Team Johnson’s, All or Nothing, and of course Duel.

As well as fight shows what else do you put on at the NE6 Suite?

All sorts of entertainment including; tribute acts, comedy nights, ladies’ nights, Newcastle Masters darts, sportsman’s dinners – we have Frank Bruno in October, open-mic nights, award presentations, and lots of private bookings such as weddings, christenings, and birthdays. The name’s getting out there so we’re happy.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thanks very much for giving Duel some exposure, it would be great if more people could realise what we’re trying to achieve. I’m not in this for money, or the glitz & glamour nonsense, kickboxing has always been a love of mine and I really want to try and put the North East scene on the map, by providing a reputable, professional platform for the region’s best fighters to showcase their skills against the world’s best.

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OOLA

Beyond the Slave Pitt with

a film director asked me who was directing the film.

I answered him flippantly by giving the name of Richard Marquais or something???

He immediately informed me that it was Richard Marquand, and that we used to go for Sunday lunch’s with him and his family followed with walks in Kew Gardens after. I remember hanging off his leg once in the park thinking it was my Dad. So to go back to how did I feel regarding getting the part, it was so nice to get it on my dance ability not because he was a close friend of our family.

How long did it take you to get into full costume and what was it like?

Since my costume reveals, or lets say hides just about the appropriate body parts, I had to be covered from head to toe in green paint. This process took three and a half hours of standing in hair and make up from 4.30 am to around 7.30 am the days of shooting the scene.

We caught up with Jabba The Hutts Slave Girl Oola, also known as Femi Taylor, when she appeared at Teesside Unleashed.

Hi femi, thanks for taking the time to chat with us, so tell us a bit about that now infamous dancing audition back in 1982?

Thankfully it wasn’t a blue movie, but instead, one of

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the biggest films ever.

How did you feel after getting the part?

The interesting aspect of winning the role of Oola is that I was offered the part arduously putting myself through the audition for 2 hours. I am saying this because after being offered Oola, I was living at home at the time, my Dad being

Did you ever get recognized as Oola after the film came out or did people not realise it was you with all the prosthetics and make up on?

I have never been recognized as Oola, people have no idea.

I often say to myself that it is bonkers that nearly everyone I meet would be aware of Oola in ROJ, but have no idea that they have just come into my existence. So, I am really

lucky to be able to live a completely normal life.

Back in 1997 George Lucas decided to revamp the trilogy into special editions and you were the only performer from the original who was asked back to shoot new scenes, how was that for you, going back to play the character 14 years later?

First of all I could not contain myself by the fact that I was going to be involved in the film again. SUPER EXCITED and could not believe that they managed to track me down in NY…….since I did not tell a soul I was there for a few days. I still feel incredulous about how they tracked me down. Going back to play Oola, was such a wonderful feeling. And the very fact that Rick Macullum suggested to George to build a set and to carry the story line through seeing Oola facing her fate. Such fun to do……Loved it.

Being in Star Wars has opened the doors to the world of conventions, how do you enjoy these?

This has been an incredible aspect in my life when I was introduced to the Convention scene back in the late 90’s. I have met some fascinating, warm, kind, generous, interesting people who have

to be a part of this world.

Plus I have got to travel to some great places, and I also get to meet my Star Wars family actors.

a passion for Star Wars and

Well it took them 17 years

How does it feel to have your very own action figure?

A very rare sought after figure that was a mail away one might I add.

to get a figure out of my character, and then they made it a limited Edition.

Irrespective of that, I am really happy that she is important enough in the SciFi world.

You are not the only member of your family to appear in Star wars, tell us a bit more about the Pilot Bravo 2 in the Phantom Menace?

That was by chance that my brother Benedict Taylor got the part of Bravo2. Nick Gillard was Ben’s double stunt guy on all his features and TV work. On one of the days filming, Rick McCullum had mentioned that they needed to cast small parts for a couple of the fighter pilots, and this is where Nick suggested to use Ben. It had nothing to do with me, a separate entity in its own right.

You have also appeared in Cats, the musical and the

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film, though the part in the film was written just for you, how did you feel about that?

When I was asked to be in the film version of Cats, it had been cast. I was reluctant to take part because I had already danced in the musical 3 times. I made the choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne to promise to put me in the back ground so nobody would notice. She expressed to me back then that she always called me her Aztec Princess…….hmmmm.

Anyway, whilst on set the boys kept calling me Exotica, they were unaware that Gillie said that they needed someone exotic amongst the bunch of pussycats, when she called me into her office.

So that is how I became her.

Do you still dance at all?

I do say once a dancer always a dancer. I do not dance professionally, but I do these

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fab dance classes, taken by ex Hot Gossip dancer Roy Gayle.

What is your favorite style of dancing?

I love Jazz ballet, not only is it beautiful to do and watch you have to be technically great to pull it off.

What do you think of the exposure that dancers are not getting thanks to shows like Britain’s Got Talent?

The dancers on these TV reality shows are very good because you have to train, take class everyday, it is a constant thing, you can’t just wake up and say I am going to be a wannabe dancer, then turn up on one of these reality shows and hope that your career will take off. It takes years of repetitive training discipline and determination and of course passion. Unlike these wannabe singers that

think they can be famous in seconds and it lasts for seconds because they have had very little training and experience in the business.

You have also starred in quite a few well-known TV shows over the years, which has been your favourite?

I don’t have a favourite just love all different facets of the work that I have done.

Tell us 3 things about yourself?

I am a Mum a wife and a wonderful friend to those around me.

When you’re not at conventions and making appearances what do you like to do?

I have my own kitchen design company, Zambezi Designs. I went back and re trained in Architectural interior Design.

I am also currently working on these short documentary

films narrating. So pretty busy to fit in everything at the moment.

Who is your favourite person you have worked with?

Oh my goodness I have worked with so many wonderful people.

Is there anyone you would like to work with and why?

I would love to work with Oprah Winfrey. Actually I just would like to meet this awesome human being.

What are your feelings on the new Star wars movies?

I have total faith that the new Star Wars movies shall be great. J.J Abrams is a S W fan so with his depth of work we should all be excited to see what he is going to bring or might I say continue in the Star Wars Galaxy.

Would you be interested in playing another part in the new trilogy or was twice enough for you?

I would LOVE to play another part. Mark Hamill did say in his Q& A to bring me back.

So where can people follow you and keep up to date with the world of Femi Taylor?

I have to become okay with Twitter. I have a page but must get lessons to at least know how to make it works for me.

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PHOTO COMPETITION It wouldn’t be TEESsIDE UNLEASHED without my fellow geeks in attendance. It’s good to see the convention from your eyes, so what better way to do that than with your photos, even better, the person who sends in the best photo wins a prize! A massive thanks to the following local businesses who donated a prize for our Photo Competition, please visit their pages and show them some love...

WOOLF ILLUSTRATION - www.facebook.com/woolfillustration SUPER GEEK STUFF - www.facebook.com/supergeekstuff HUNTER TOYS - www.facebook.com/pages/Hunter-Toys

Photos by Paul Wardropper

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TEEsSIDE UNLEASED

Photos by Paul Wardropper

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photo competition

Photos by Nicole

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TEEsSIDE UNLEASED

Photos by Richie

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photo competition

Photos by Lesley

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teesside unleashed photo competition

WINNER Our winning picture had to be this one of young Samuel posing with Boba Fett.

What is extra special about this is the fact it is a home made costume, a lot of time and effort has gone into it and he wowed the crowd at Teeside Unleashed 4. He didn’t take 1st place then, but he does now.

A big thank you to the companies who donated the prizes that will be winging there way to Samuel so please go and check them out WOOLF ILLUSTRATION SUPER GEEK STUFF HUNTER TOYS

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Willy Wonka has lost his crown to a new North East company of creative Chocolatier wizards, because the taste’s and flavours they come up with are definitely magical and out of this world.

So let me introduce you to the Chocolate Smiths How about telling our readers a little bit about yourself?

My name is Steffi Smith, founder and chocolatier at The Chocolate Smiths! I’m 22 and have lived in the North East my whole life.

Tell us 3 random things about yourself?

I went to university to study music, which is what I’d planned to continue doing for my career, I’ve been told I can do a good impression of a dolphin, and I still eat loads of chocolate - all dayeveryday

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The Chocolate Smiths, tell us more, how did you get started?

I’d always known I wanted to own my own business.

For me, even from about the age of 11, I knew that that’s how things were going to be. I had played

piano from a young age, written songs and taken up guitar so before I discovered chocolatiering my ultimate goal was to compose music for games. Half way through my University course I really started to question where my life was headed. I began to realise that University wasn’t for me. I was wasting time and money being there.

Luckily, at this time my Mum

(who had been running her own chocolate business for about 2 years) had just taken on a shop. So, I left University to help her out. I started off working front of house - meeting customers, serving customers- then started to really become interested in the whole chocolate making process.

I began making chocolate, teaching myself and picking up little hints and tips from my mum.

Her shop then underwent a large expansion and we employed many staff. I was head chocolatier at that point, still teaching myself whilst training others. To be honest I find that with chocolate you really learn something new every day no matter how long you’ve worked with it. A year later in 2013, it was clear that things in the shop were not going

well, and I said many a time that I was going to leave but I still clung to the hope that this business might still be my lucky break. However, I began to think about starting my own business and it was in Oct 13 that I came up with the idea of The Chocolate Smiths. I was then made redundant in Dec 13 and saw this as an opportunity to go for it! I approached a girl, Amy Francis who was a former colleague and good friend of mine, with the idea of The Chocolate Smiths. I was extremely lucky to have met Amy as she is a very

talented artist. I asked her if she would fancy giving this idea of mine a go, designing a logo and packaging. She agreed, but had to find full time work elsewhere alongside designing as a new business can barely support one person, let alone two. So while I set to work doing business plans, coming up with products and ranges, gaining clients and having endless meetings, Amy designed our brand!

We both attended the extremely helpful sessions on hand from Business Northumberland and I even

got some business advice from one of their advisers.

Things started to come together, we had our main products ready to go and from there the business has grown massively. Aimee Carroll (an apprentice chocolatier) came on board in September and Amy Francis came full time in October. She is going to become ‘Creative Director’ as we are in the process of becoming limited. We have had a lot of help and advice from my Dad, who has been on hand throughout, as all of the family have! We could not do it without them!

What other services do you offer?

We can make anything for any occasion! Weddings, parties and we even design bespoke products for companies, so they can have their very own flavour and wrapper!

Our most popular range is most certainly the ‘Bizarre Bar’ range. From Bacon flavour, to Bombay, we pretty much have something to suit everyone.

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How hard is it for you competing with the likes of Dairy Milk and Galaxy?

I find what’s worked for us so far is just to focus on what we’re creating. Dairy Milk and Galaxy are in a league of their own mass producing their chocolate. We hand make everything, which means we can pretty much make anything you can think of. Even though we have very big plans for the future, we will most certainly keep our products this way. Although we can’t help having a little

peak every time we go to the shops!

What has been the biggest challenge for you to date?

This is our first Christmas, so we weren’t very sure as to how much people were going to order. We received our first Christmas order and it was HUGE. Which is fantastic of course, but a lot of work!

It consisted of 1690 separate items which took us 2 weeks to complete, bearing in mind I was pretty much on my own in the kitchen

for the first week. Some of those items weren’t even single chocolate bars, some of them were multi packs!

To finish the order Amy Francis and I worked our socks off in the kitchen for 24hrs straight. It was safe to say, we were pretty tired.

However, we are in the process of moving premises and buying equipment that will help a great deal so we are not so stretched again. It will make things a lot easier as we want to have time to do more things!

So how does it feel to be the North East’s answer to Willy Wonka?

FANTASTIC! It’s so exciting and challenging at the same time! In the future though, we want to create our very own stigma. So people almost reference ‘The Chocolate Smiths’ instead of Willy Wonka. We have a few tricks up our sleeves for next year....

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What inspires you to come

up with all of these magical flavours?

To be honest, we basically just cram as many yummy things into chocolate as possible - with an added twist! I love my sweet and savoury, and I’ll pretty much combine any food. When it comes round to making the bars for the first time, we tweak the flavours slightly and make sure they balance but the real challenge is fitting the ingredients into the chocolate bar. As far as I am aware, we are the only company that hand fill our chocolate bars. I think this is because it takes a lot of time but it’s completely worth it! Take the peanut butter and pretzel chocolate bar.

The creamy milk chocolate cuddles a filling of gooey peanut butter and 3 large salty, crispy pretzels, so when you break the bar open it reveals this mass of

tastiness’!

What new creations can we expect to see from you in the future?

Now....we can’t tell you that!

Where can people buy your products and keep up to date with The Chocolate Smiths?

Our products are available to buy online at http://www. wowthankyou.co.uk/thechocolate-smiths/ We’re at Tynemouth Market every Sunday. You can also find us in retailers such as Fenwicks Food Hall, House Of Fraiser (over the Christmas Period), The Northumbrian Hamper in Seahouses, local tourism centres and Deli Delivered in Gosforth.

To keep up to date you can sign up to our mailing list and receive our monthly newsletter, just email steffi@ thechocolatesmiths.com and mention that you would like

to be added.

You can find more information at www. thechocolatesmiths.com Or for daily updates find us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ chocolatesmiths and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ thechocolatesmiths Is there anything you would like to add?

We would like to say thank you to everyone that has helped us get to where we are and that will help us to grow even more. Every time someone purchases our chocolate, it means the world and when people come back, we can’t thank them enough for the support! We have so many regular customers now it’s overwhelming. So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

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A big welcome to NE Online Magazine to 2 Geeky Guys, so how about you tell our readers a little bit about yourselves?

Mark: My name is Mark and I’m celebrating my second time being featured in NE Online Magazine! Woo! I’m from Cramlington but now living my Geeky life with the other half in Newcastle! I’m an aspiring TV and Radio presenter and I work as a voice artist from home.

CJ: Well I’m CJ and from Whitley Bay and I’m older than I want to admit haha.

I do a lot of work online reviewing TV shows before their air dates, interviewing celebrities and working with big TV companies from the US and UK. It definitely has it’s perks.

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So who came up with the idea behind 2 Geeky Guys?

CJ: I met Mark at ScreenCon 2013 where we instantly bonded over Doctor Who and kept in contact. We started chatting and I had an idea for Spoiler TV (the site I work with) about having an online TV show and Mark was the first guy I thought of.

Mark: CJ came to me with an idea for Spoiler TV which became Spo!led and it just went on from there. We wanted to develop further than TV shows and that’s when Two Geeky Guys was born!

What is the idea behind it?

Mark: It’s a fantastic way for us to develop our skills in presenting, filming and editing. I usually front with

Presenting and CJ with filming and editing but it gives us scope to switch. We are wanting to become the Sneaky Zebra of the North East! It’s a YouTube channel which we will fill with interviews, competitions, sketches and more!

CJ: It is basically just a way for us to do something we really enjoy and share some of those things with people with similar interests.

You are both going to be hosting Scream-Con this November, how did this come about?

CJ: As we know Mark is currently the host with the most for ScreenCon and ScreamCon and we got chatting about how we can try and add more to the ScreenCon experience. Mark does an amazing job but the poor guy is run ragged by the end.

Mark: It’s true! I wanted to use it as a way to develop my TV presenting skills too, filming on the con floor and chatting to guests and visitors but I don’t have time to do that as one person. CJ and I get on really well so I thought, how better? We both have different strengths which balance out great!

What have you both got planned for it, any spoilers/ exclusives you can give us?

Mark: Selfies have become such a big thing these days! So we have a little

competition set up called #SCREAMY - Visitors to ScreamCon need to grab either CJ or I (or both) on the floor and get a scary selfie with us then upload it to twitter with #SCREAMY for the chance to win a prize!

The best one wins!

CJ: We will also be attempting the biggest selfie ever with all of the attendees

being going to conventions for about a year now and I’ve been blown away by how nice all of the people are and supportive of one another.

I’ve made some really good friends from going to conventions. I suppose Mark falls under that category to haha.

Mark: I’ve met some really great people from

competitions!

of ScreamCon which will be great fun to try and pull off.

Of course there is loads more planned for the day time and the night time disco.

the conventions I’ve been to but to be honest I’ve never had the chance to go to a convention where I haven’t hosted! I do enjoy hosting however as I get to experience it up close and personal. Interview the celebs is brilliant. One of my favourite parts hosting wise is hosting the costume

CJ: Well I like to keep my real career secret but when I’m not working with Mark a lot of my spare time is taken up helping run Spoiler TV and posting articles, reviews, podcasts and working with TV companies to get screeners and help promote their shows. Being geeky is my second job and hobby.

What is your favourite thing about conventions?

CJ: Without a doubt it’s all of the people that you meet and that I’ve met. I’ve only

What do you both do when you’re not being Geeky Guys?

Mark: If I’m not filming Two Geeky Guys, I’m working. If I ’m not doing either of those I’m sitting playing PS4 or Pokemon on DS (I think I’m addicted!) I also work from home as a voice artist!

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Tell us 3 random facts about yourself?

CJ: I once sat down at a table in a press room once to send a text message and before I knew it I was sat next to Steven Moffatt (exec producer of Doctor Who) and in front of cameras and ended up interviewing him.

I have a bit of an obsession with Sonic the Hedgehog and I usually watch over 30+ TV shows per week for Spoiler TV (I don’t sleep much) Mark: I sang for the Queen when she officially opened Newcastle Library a few years back, I’ve been to the home of Smallville’s Kent family, and I caught some of the filming for Series 8 of Doctor Who! What would you say is your favourite geeky pleasure?

Mark: LEGO minifigures have taken over my life, my bank

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account and my living room!

CJ: Having the house to myself, getting a giant pizza and picking a really geeky film that only I love and sitting watching it on my giant TV. And what geeky thing drives you up the wall?

Mark: One thing that frustrates me, going back to Doctor Who, is when people don’t give the new actor a chance. There has been a lot of shooting down of Capaldi and I don’t see why it needs to be done. Sure it’s a different direction but it’s a breath of fresh air. RIP 11th Doctor.

CJ: As much as I love geek fandom, sometimes people’s reactions to change or someone trying something new with a series or character annoys me. I like to give it a chance first and then

complain.

Marvel or DC? Mark: Marvel for Movies, DC for TV shows and both for comics and LEGO! CJ: It’s funny when I’m at conventions I always ask that question (videos are on our YouTube channel) when doing interviews. I always tell people off when they don’t choose one or the other. But I am definitely a Marvel guy.

Star Wars or Star Trek?

CJ: Star Wars hands down.

Sorry trek fans but give me a lightsaber any day.

Mark: I’ve never been able to get into Star Trek, that being said I loved the JJ Abrams movies of late.

Who is your favourite Doctor?

Mark: I have to say I’m loving the grumpy, darker side of

the Doctor with Capaldi and his little nod to Tom Baker in ‘Mummy on the Orient Express’. This current series has had more references to past episodes than any I think. The Doctor is the Doctor no matter who plays him so it’s hard to say.

CJ: Tennant. Always Tennant.

I love the other doctors but Tennant is the Doctor for me.

I even have the full outfit (and people at Screencon in the past may have seen me as him) What have you got planned for the future?

Mark: We’ve got a few sketches in the mix and many more cosplay music videos to come!

CJ: We have so many ideas

in place it’s just finding the time and resources to film. But please subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/ twogeekyguys) and keep an eye out for future updates.

We have a cool archery video lined up involving famous geeky archers but that’s all I can say.

Where can people follow you and keep up to date with you both?

Mark: You can follow me personally on twitter @ lifebymark.

CJ: You can find me on twitter on @cjsonic but I spend a lot of time chatting via the two geeky guys facebook and twitter account.

Both: And you can follow

us both @twogeekyguys on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Is there anything you would like to add?

CJ: Yeah, thanks to everyone who has been supporting our new venture (personally I need to thank my other half Emma and daughter Lauren for putting up with me disappearing to do filming) of Two Geeky Guys and thank you for letting us both do this interview.

Mark: Thanks everyone and see you all at Scream-Con. Thanks for chatting with us and we will see you at Scream-Con

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TM Supplements opened in September 2014 and caters for a wide variety of sports people, from bodybuilders to MMA fighters.

The store is based at the nook area of South Shields, near Tesco Express and on the first floor above St Claire’s Hospice charity shop.

Martin Ruddy, one of the owners of the store has a wealth of knowledge within the fitness world. He was a personal trainer for 7 years, experienced in circuits, boxercise, kettlebells and cross fit.

Personal diet and training plans can be given upon request.

A loyalty reward scheme is also in place to keep our customers happy.

TM Supplements also sponsors two local MMA fighters, Alex Enlund (already a recognised MMA fighter and ranged number 2 in the UK) and Adam Proctor, Alex’s student, who looks to be a promising athlete.

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The aim of opening the store is to help the local community and boost the recognition of health and fitness.

Prices are very low and discounts are given (1015%) for Military, Police, Fire Service, NHS, Students and SIA licensed. Same day free delivery is also available.

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We have also started stocking Fightwear and equipment, so call in and see us to see our range.

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product of the month

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Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself?

- Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am.

So there.

At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far?

- Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves.

I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out?

- Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

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Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents?

- Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about?

- The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about?

- My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out.

How has the response for Hebburn been so far?

- Overwhelmingly positive.

And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series!

You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this?

- Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

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Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself?

- Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am.

So there.

At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far?

- Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves.

I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out?

- Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

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Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents?

- Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about?

- The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about?

- My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out.

How has the response for Hebburn been so far?

- Overwhelmingly positive.

And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series!

You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this?

- Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

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Photos by spikeybwoy Saturday the 13th of September saw the return of TEESSIDE UNLEASHED 4 with a day of celebrities, costumes, family fun and more Geeks than you can shake a stick at. Over the next few pages we take a look at the photos from Official TU4 Photographer Chris Kemp AKA Spikeybwoy, If you see yourself in any of the photos and want a copy or if you want to show him some love then check out his page www.facebook.com/SpikeybwoyPhotography and his website www.flickr.com/photos/spikeybwoy/

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Photos by spikeybwoy

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Photos by spikeybwoy

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New & part worn tyres, Punctures, Balancing, Brakes, Exhaust and Suspension. Alloys bought & sold.

STEPNEY BANK TYRES Stepney Bank , Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NP 0191 2322062 - 07557797443 Credit and debit cards taken www.stepneybanktyres.com 76

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