A TELEVISION star is set to appear on a programme to explain why her heart will always be in Penarth.

Erin Richards, star of hit series Gotham will appear in the next episode of 3 Lle on S4C on Sunday, July 3 in which she talks about how important the town is to her.

Although the Hollywood actress has been living in New York for the past two years, she admits her heart will always belong to Penarth.

The town is one of three places of personal significance that she chooses to visit during the programme.

Miss Richards, who plays Barbara Kean in Gotham, has fond memories of living near the sea and of playing on the beach with her sister and parents.

She said: "I love being near the sea and being able to take the dogs out for a run – and more than anything else, I love the fact my family are here.

"That's why Penarth is so important to me."

Miss Richards's interest in the performing arts began in Penarth as she took part in school plays and gained confidence as a young actress.

She explained: "As a child, I was incredibly bossy.

"I remember taking part in a production of Pinocchio at school.

"Mum says I spent the whole time shoving the other kids around the stage and reciting their lines.

"I was a pretty confident child."

After leaving school, she moved to Sheffield where she studied for a degree in history and international politics.

Miss Richards now lives and works in Brooklyn, New York and the programme gives an insight into her life in the city which she describes as noisy, fun and full of people.

She said: "Living in New York is like being in a dream. As you drive over Brooklyn Bridge and see the Manhattan Skyline, it's as if you are in a film.

"I was used to seeing New York on television and in films but when I moved there, it took me about a year to realise that this was now home."

Despite the excitement of living and working in the United States, she admits there's only one place that really feels like home.

She said: "Returning to Penarth is always such a pleasure.

"It's a beautiful place and I feel safe and happy there. Some day, I would like to go back to live in Penarth; that's where my heart is."