Downtown Abbey actor returns to his roots to open graduate's salon

Downtown Abbey actor Jeremy Swift returned to his roots to open a refurbished hair salon set up by a Teesside University graduate.

Niche Hair Salon in Norton is owned by Tricia Waters, who graduated last year with a First Class degree in Leadership and Management.

Now in its eleventh year, Niche re-opened following a massive £25,000 refurbishment. Stockton born actor Jeremy Swift of Downton Abbey fame, Foyle’s War, the Railway Children, the Durrell’s and countless more productions, officially opened the new-look premises.

Jeremy, whose mum and niece are clients of Niche, said: 'Teesside has always been recognised as a place that develops and encourages enormously talented people.'

Having qualified as hairdresser aged 18, Tricia went to work in a four-star hotel in Bahrain, spending three years in the Middle East. When she returned to England, Tricia completed teaching qualifications and spent nearly two decades as a lecturer at Middlesbrough College.

It was her lifelong ambition to open her own salon and Tricia has successfully built up her client base with the salon maintaining growth year on year since setting up despite the many downturns in the economy.

She also set herself another challenge to achieve a degree, graduating from Teesside University at the age of 54 in 2015. Her studies have also led to her being invited to take part in a Government-led steering group looking at apprenticeship profession standards.

Tricia said: 'I will continue to be proactive in the national role on the steering group and the development of apprenticeships. I will also encourage interactive partnerships locally, including educational establishments as a means to raise the profile and credibility of the hairdressing industry.'

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