A POPULAR television host is preparing to return to his hometown of Colchester as part of an upcoming event.

Archaeologist Jules Hudson, who has presented BBC’s Escape To The Country since 2007, will be making a special appearance at the Mercury Theatre on October 18.

Fans of the series may not know Jules was actually born in Colchester and was also educated in the now-city, growing up in Lexden and attending Colchester County High School.

During the evening, entitled In The Town Where I Was Born, Jules will reflect on how Colchester shaped him and led him on his current path.

A spokesman for the show said: "Country TV star Jules Hudson escapes from the country for an exclusive trip down memory lane in the town where he was born and bred, which inspired him toward a career in history and TV.

"One of Colchester’s famous sons, Jules Hudson, is returning home to the town where he was born and grew up, after a lifetime spent away forging a career as one of the UK’s most versatile and popular TV presenters.

"In an exclusive evening, Jules will chart his journey from local school boy to local archaeologist, digging up the town which inspired his love of the past, to now a passionate advocate for country life and rural affairs."

To book tickets, call the Mercury Theatre box office on 01206 573948.