The star of seventies TV show, The Famous Five, has been appointed Mayor of Wallingford.

Councillor Marcus Harris, who has a host of acting credits to his name, was elected to the role in May.

He was previously deputy Mayor of the town, in which he has lived for most of his life, in 2006 to 2007.

A member of South Oxfordshire District Council since 2003, Mr Harris retired from acting after his two years as Julian in the ITV programme The Famous Five, adapted from the Enid Blyton novel, and went into business.

He later returned to acting and TV work alongside his other commitments.

Among his many acting credits, some as recent as 2011, are ‘parent of daughter’ in the 2010 Christmas campaign for sofa giant DFS and ‘headmaster Brian Davis’ in the 2011 internet soap, Darton High.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail about the show in 2014, he said: “The reason I’m involved is someone gave me a chance over 30 years ago on The Famous Five and that was such an amazing, positive experience.

“It gave me confidence and communication skills, so if I can help the other kids out for TV and get them to appreciate the value of working in a team that is fantastic.”

Harris has also worked as a guest presenter on the shopping channel, QVC.

On his website, Mr Harris describes himself as a “wannabe writer,  professional actor, with film, stage, TV and now internet credits, local celebrity, family man, dog owner, fast car driver, and most importantly of all, proud father.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.