A TEENAGER has returned to Thurrock to announce he is proud to be a villain.

Former Grays School pupil Richard James Harris, 19, will appear in the Bill as villain Joel Pearce during episodes on January 31 and February 6.

He said: "It was a great experience. Villain's roles are so much meatier."

Richard grew up in Badgers Dene and attended Stifford Primary and Grays School, before moving to Chester five years ago to study drama at South Cheshire College.

He has dedicated his latest role to his mother, Mandy, who died last January aged 42 after a long battle with cancer.

He added: "It's such a shame she never saw me act."