Liam Neeson acts on pledge to help promote his birthplace

Speaking to newspapers at that time, the ‘Taken’ star said he would back moves to promote the region.

And it was confirmed at the January meeting of Mid & East Antrim Council that he has agreed to shoot “a special advertisement” featuring areas from “back home”.

Mayor Billy Ashe told councillors he had asked Council’s Chief Executive to follow up on Mr Neeson’s offer of help and to contact him.

“He has agreed to work along with Tourism NI and Council to shoot a special advertisement featuring areas back home... and has agreed to appear on camera,” Cllr Ashe revealed, adding: “The Chief Executive is now working with Tourism NI to organise the same,” he said.

Back in November, Liam described the latest local jobs blow as “tragic” and called for Northern Ireland’s Executive to “get to work”.

“I’ve always maintained that our wee corner of the globe is one of the world’s best kept secrets, not least in its potential for development in all areas of industry,” he said.

“All the more reason for the Executive and Invest Northern Ireland to really get to work now and promote the hell out of the province. They have and always will have my full support”.