JOHNNY Vegas is urging his hometown fans to tune into his new show airing tonight saying: "You only ever wanna make those back home happy, and if you’re lucky, proud."

The comedian and actor from Thatto Heath, is starring in the BBC1 show Home from Home from 9.30pm today, Friday, April 20, telling the story of a family's long-cherished dream of buying a lodge in the Lake District.

The years of scrimping and saving now feel worth it – until they wake up the next morning and meet their neighbours the Dillons, played by Adam James from Doctor Foster and Emilia Fox from Silent Witness.

Johnny, whose real name is Michael Pennington, said: "Just like Saints this season I hope folk will enjoy Home From Home.

"When you have this much fun making something you obviously want your friends and family and everyone else watching to have fun too.

"You only ever wanna make those back home happy, and if you’re lucky, proud.

"I like the title Home from Home. There’s nowhere I’m happier than back in St Helens wherever work might take me, but everyone at Hillcroft Park, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater and and generally the Lakes in its entirety have been so lovely and accommodating during filming.

"That’s why I’m heading up there tonight to watch the first episode with them and say a heartfelt thanks, plus buy a few pints.

"If, once again just for me, they’ll screen the match first. C’mon Saints, get Huddersfield sorted early on so we can turn over at 9.30pm. Cheers lads, and thanks to my hometown.

"It’s a precarious business is showbiz, knowing you’ve folk who’s got your back always makes a world of difference. Hope you like it."

Johnny says that his upbringing in St Helens in a working class household made him "proud" of his roots and decided to make a comedy based on "class distinction".

Home From Home also features Strictly Come Dancing favourite Susan Calman, Niky Wardley, Paul Barber (The Full Monty), Pearce Quigley (Detectorists) and musical theatre legend Elaine Paige – who is almost unrecognisable as Neil’s fun-loving mum, Mercy Hackett.

Johnny added: "There’s lots of talk of the notion of a classless society, which quite frankly is rubbish.

"I am from a working class household yet it’s an upbringing I couldn’t be prouder of.

"I have my family, friends and the town to thank for that.

"Being able to make a comedy based on class distinction was something that immediately appealed to me.

"We’ve got a cracking cast and a couple playing against what you might expect.

"Elaine Paige was hilarious playing against type as my Mum (and really lovely to mine. She was a lifelong fan, now she’s turned full blown stalker.)"