Dame Julie Walters backs Birmingham's bid to host Commonwealth Games

Dame Julie Walters was born in Birmingham and raised in Smethwick.

The two-time Academy Award nominee has starred in films including Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia! and the Harry Potter series.

She said: “Birmingham is a brilliant city, full of energy and lively people.

"It’s well known across the world both for sport and culture and it would be my city of choice to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022.”

Harewood, who starred in Homeland and The Night Manager, as well as Hollywood movies including Blood Diamond, has been one of the longest-running supporters of the bid.

He said: “I support Birmingham’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

"What a diverse, beautiful, fantastic city, this will be the hub of energy here in the Midlands.

"We are the youngest city in Europe and it would be fantastic for the world to come to Birmingham and see what a great and vibrant place it is.

"So I support Birmingham’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games."

Sports stars from across 17 sports, including all Commonwealth Games sports announced as part of Birmingham’s bid, have also thrown their weight behind the proposals.

International sports icons including Sir Mo Farah, Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Christine Ohuruogu, Adam Peaty, Ellie Simmonds, Don Quarrie, Ian Bell, Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson, Chrissie Wellington and Hakeen 'The Dream' Olajuwon are among the athletes who are supporting Birmingham.

Walsall's own Ellie, a five-time Paralympic swimming champion, said: “The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the Sandwell Aquatics Centre will inspire the next generation of swimmers as well as encourage the local community to enjoy swimming and diving and learn a valuable life skill.

“I am so excited about the possibility of the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham and urge everyone to back the Birmingham bid.”

Olympic bronze medallist and Commonwealth champion Kristian Thomas, from Halesowen, said: “It’s great to see so many young gymnasts and members of the public backing Birmingham’s bid for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

"I am definitely behind the bid and hope it comes here, it’s such a great city.”

The decision on whether an English bid will be submitted – and if so, who will be the UK's 'candidate city' – is expected in the near future.