“Hi. I’m Marc. With a c. I like soap operas, long walks in warm rain and crossing my arms. Come and meet me”

So the leaves are falling, the patio stuff has been put away and the nights are drawing in. That can only mean two things: autumn is finally upon us and so is The British Isles Show from November 15-17.

This is the annual gathering of Brits from far and wide (or mainly from Toronto to Mississauga, a distance of 27.6 km according to Google Maps) and the chance to hob-knob about the weather, buy some Heinz Beanz and boxes of decent tea and maybe — just maybe! — catch a glimpse of a Corrie Street star.

This year the guest appearance is by Marc Baylis, who plays Rob Donovan. I stopped watching Corrie Street when my nan passed, so have no idea who that character is, but I’m sure legions of fans out there do.

Quick segue: went to a similar show years ago and spotted a sad and lonely-looking Curly Watts sitting behind a screen. Reminded me of when I was at school and paid 50p to go behind a curtain and meet those cheeky Cockney chaps, Chas and Dave. Make of that what you will.

“Oi, Marc! Yup yup rabbit yup yup yup rabbit rabbit bunny jabber yup rabbit bunny yup yup yup rabbit bunny jabber yup yup yup rabbit bunny jabber yup yup bunny jabber rabbit!”

Here’s a list of exhibitors for the show, so you can pick out what you want to see first before deciding if it’s worth $15 for a ticket. I personally think it is, just for the chance to browse around and hear those familiar accents from back ‘ome, luv.

Or you could give the show a nice free mention on your blog and try and blag free entry … something Brits in Toronto would never do.

See you there. Toodles!