A TV soap's newest star returned to his roots to deliver a speech on his acting career.

Liam Bergin, who joined EastEnders this year in the role of Danny Mitchell spoke to the Buckhurst Parkinson's Support Group about his early acting career and recent success.

A local boy, Liam, 24, comes from Buckhurst Hill, and graduated in 2008 from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

He told his audience, meeting at the Metropolitan Police Sports Club, in Chigwell, of the early small screen roles he secured before landing his first stage role as Romeo in a production of Romeo and Juliet at Ludlow Castle.

He said he was originally approached by EastEnders while still at Guildhall but delayed taking up their offer until now.

Support Group member Michael Reed said: “Liam gave a fascinating insight into his training, his early experiences and what it was like to become part of such a high profile programme as EastEnders, answering the many questions raised by the group members.”

Buckhurst Parkinson's Support Group was formed in 2006 to offer mutual support to sufferers from Parkinson's Disease and their carers. It now has over 100 members locally.

For more information on its work call Derek Lester on 020 8550 2605, or email derek.lester@lineone.net.