Doreen premiere has Black Country in hysterics

Gill, who is from Cheslyn Hay, said she is amazed by the love people have for the character and surprised by Doreen's success.

Speaking at the premiere of Doreen – The Movie, Gill said Doreen's character had captured the imagination of Black Country folk.

• Click to read our review of Doreen The Movie here.

From a brief clip on YouTube, Doreen has snowballed into stage shows, an autobiography and now a film.

Mother-of-three Gill, aged 47, said scriptwriter David Tristram should be praised for his creation. She said: "Doreen is the whole package really, there's the humour, the character and the writing.

"I've been doing theatre for 30 years and then this four-minute clip on the internet lets you reach so many people. It's a unique humour and David's writing is absolutely brilliant."

The movie opened at Wolverhampton's Lighthouse Cinema on Saturday and is also being screened at a sold-out show in Lichfield's Garrick Theatre tonight with tickets still available for a showing at the Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford next Monday.

Some famous Black Country names make guest appearances in the 110-minute film including rock god Robert Plant.

The movie is firmly rooted in the region, with all the actors based in the West Midlands.

• WATCH: Our interview with writer David Tristram here.

Gill said she hoped Doreen's success could spur other film-makers on to featuring the Black Country more .

"It's not enough to just have something like Peaky Blinders," she said. "And even for that the casting is done elsewhere.

"There's so much talent in the West Midlands."

"Doreen-mania seems to be sweeping everywhere."

Those were the words of scriptwriter David Tristram, the man who created the fictional phenomenon Doreen, who is taking the Black Country by storm.

The character, played by Cheslyn Hay actor Gill Jordan, is the star of Doreen – The Movie, which had its premiere at Wolverhampton's Light House Cinema on Saturday night.

A packed crowd lapped up the feature-length film following the antics of Doreen, who rose to fame after a YouTube video saw her diagnose herself with 'lazy cow syndrome'.

One of those there on the night was Wolves goalscoring legend Steve Bull, who made a cameo in the movie alongside another of the Black Country's favourite sons Robert Plant.

Bully said: "It was lovely being involved, but a bit nerve-wracking. I've done a few bits on TV, but this felt a bit more natural for me as it's all about where I'm from.

"I think people from the Black Country will love the film and it's great to hear all the Black Country accents. It's our unique language and I don't think you can beat it."

Married mum-of-three Mrs Jordan, 47, said: "It's amazing – you couldn't imagine this happening when we started. I think the humour of it attracts people to Doreen and it's a refreshing change from what people are used to."

The role of Doreen was written specially for Mrs Jordan, by playwright and film-maker David Tristram, who said he was overwhelmed by the response to the character.

"Doreen-mania seems to be sweeping everywhere and it's great," he said. "It's fantastic for the Black Country and people can be proud to hear the Black Country accents and witness the sense of humour on the big screen."

Mr Tristram, who was born in Quarry Bank, said he felt a combination of 'excitement and sheer terror' ahead of the film's screening.

Criticism has been levelled at Doreen for painting Black Country folk in a poor light, but Mr Tristram dismissed any negative comments.

"I think people who criticise Doreen are missing the point. The overwhelming reaction to this is people loving it," said Mr Tristram. "It's not stereotyping – it's just a character I've created."

Initially, a four-minute clip of Doreen was posted online and has since been viewed more than 1.4 million times. That has led to two stage shows and an autobiography.

The film will be at the Light House from November 13. Screenings are also planned for the Majestic Cinema, Bridgnorth, the Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford and Netherton Arts Centre.

To book, click here.