Hollywood star spotted filming festive flick

Richard E Grant (centre) features in a new Christmas film being being shot in York

Christmas has come early to part of York's historic city centre as shooting began on a new festive movie.

Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint, due for release in 2026, features a star-studded cast including Richard E Grant, Celia Imrie, John Bradley and Adjoa Andoh.

According to production company WestEnd Films it tells the story of a reclusive model soldier painter with a lifelong hatred of Christmas who ends up assisting with a care home production of A Christmas Carol.

Sally Ashton, whose shop Barnitts was used as a filming location on Monday, said it was "a bit different than the normal routine of the day".

"It's been really well organised and the crew have been absolutely amazing," she added.

"Things overran a little bit but everyone was really on the ball."

Richard E Grant filmed scenes in Sally Ashton's shop, Barnitts, on Monday

The department store is being used by the crew to store equipment all week, whilst Grant shot scenes amongst its festive display.

"The staff have worked really hard to make this Christmas area look fantastic and it's going to be there on the big screen for everybody to see as well," Ms Ashton said.

She added a staff trip to the cinema would likely be planned when the film was released.

Table salt was added to the outside of a shop to create the illusion of snow

Businesses on Colliergate received a letter notifying them of the filming last week.

Jo Patton, owner of the Totally Awesome Toy Shop, said "a lot of very serious creative-looking people" were already outside when he arrived on Monday morning.

"There was a good buzz about the place and then at about 11 a gentleman rocked up in a red jacket and green hat," he said.

The gentleman was John Bradley, best known for his role as Samwell Tarly in Game of Thrones.

"To have a film star stood literally on your doorstep, in some ways wasn't too strange, because in York you expect the unexpected," he added.

Filming took place outside Jo Patton's toy shop on Monday

On Tuesday evening, scenes were filmed outside an empty premises at number 5 Colliergate, which had been transformed into a miniature model shop, with table salt used to create the effect of snow.

Despite the rain, dozens of people gathered to watch the filming take place, at various points of the evening.

Rosa Burns, 23, was among those who stopped to look, describing it as "fascinating".

"I actually saw them do a take, about four or five times. Everyone had to be silent in the street and nobody could walk past," she said.

Filming continued late into the evening during pouring rain

Lucy Cordukes, from nearby shop Country Traditionals, added: "We're expecting very special actors, the rumour goes.

"If anything, it's slightly affected trade because people are too interested in what's going on outside.

"But it's very exciting and it's a great thing for York for it to be on the map, and hopefully we'll see it in a Hollywood film soon."

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