Robson Green described filming at home as “the happiest time in his career” at the premiere for new BBC drama Northumbria Mysteries.

Born in Hexham and still living there, the actor has spent much of his working life shining a spotlight on everything Northumberland has to offer.

His passion for home shone through in documentaries Weekend Escapes and Tales from Northumberland, and so, it was a dream come true when the BBC commissioned a new crime drama set in the most beautiful parts of the county.

The Northumbria Mysteries will officially air on Friday, October 23 on BBC One.

Robson Green at the premiere for Northumbria Mysteries. (Photo: BBC)

placeholder image — Robson Green at the premiere for Northumbria Mysteries. (Photo: BBC)

But, we were lucky enough to sit down with Robson ahead of the premiere at Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema to find out what the production really meant to him.

“It's wonderful that tonight we're going to celebrate a quality, classy TV drama, that’s been made by a local company from the North East,” he said.

“This isn’t only going to be shown in the UK, it's going to be shown in various parts of the world, watched by millions of people. It’s a beautiful thing to be alongside.”

Robson explained how lucky he felt to work alongside a local crew, but especially, how lucky he felt to work at home, with the Northumbrian coast and countryside as his backdrop.

Father David Rutherford, played by Simon Callow, and Joe Ruby, played by Robson Green. (BBC/Lonesome Pine Productions/Alex Telfer)

“It's been a real labour of love,” he added. “It was wonderful. I could drive to work from my house. There was twice I walked. That's amazing. It never happens. It just doesn’t.

“I've been working 42 years in this industry, and it's one of the nicest, happiest times I've had in my career.”

The series follows crime-solving duo: Robson’s character Joe Ruby, an ex-con seeking forgiveness, alongside Rose O’Connell, played by Liz White, an oxford-educated DI.

But, Robson says that the county of Northumberland itself played an important character in the story.

Robson plays ex-con Joe Ruby who is seeking forgiveness for his troublesome past. (BBC/Lonesome Pine Productions/Alex Telfer)

"The genuine, rich history of Northumberland, the heritage, has played a huge part,” he said. “The spirit of Northumberland is really important, especially for my character.”

Robson hopes that the success of the series will encourage more productions made here in the region.

“Hopefully we'll create a base where people can not only work here, but there's enough work happening that they'll stay here, and that means we can train people as well.”