Toby Jones 'proud' of connection to Stoke

Toby Jones said after the death of his dad, actor Freddie Jones, it felt more 'significant' for him to want to connect with Stoke City

BAFTA-winning actor and Stoke City fan Toby Jones has said he is proud of his connection to Stoke-on-Trent.

Known for his roles in the Harry Potter and Hunger Games movie franchises, Jones shared with the BBC the memories that draw him back to the city where his father grew up.

His dad, Emmerdale actor Freddie Jones, was born and raised in Longton and maintained his relationship with the area until his death in 2019, said Jones.

Speaking to the A Cold Wet Tuesday Night football podcast, he said: "I remember visiting my grandparents, traipsing around Trentham Gardens and waiting for my dad to come out of the pub."

His childhood memories also included the friendliness of people in the city and buying oatcakes from people's back doors on a Sunday.

He said: "I remember it feeling cold and the warmth of peoples homes in comparisons to that."

Jones, who grew up in London, said being a Stoke City fan stemmed from his father's love for the club.

The 59-year-old said he watched his first game at the age of nine, in 1975.

"When I went to my first game, we beat Birmingham City 5-2," he said. "I remember being absolutely dazzled seeing Geoff Hurst play.

"I just knew him as the guy who won the World Cup and it was amazing he was just there playing this game.

"You knew it wasn't a big team but you knew it was a well-run, well-organised club."

His connections to the city also include being a patron of the Claybody Theatre, which he said was run by a university friend.

"They do great work at promoting local stories, so when I can, I try to come back and see their work," he added.

• Listen: A Cold Wet Tuesday Night: The Marvellous Toby Jones