THE picturesque village of Calstock has been thrown into the spotlight over the past week as the location for the filming of a brand new Sky One drama starring some of the country’s finest actors.

Locally sourced extras joined cast and crew as Calstock was turned into a film set.

The four-part drama, titled Delicious, stars beloved actor, writer and comedian Dawn French, Game of Thrones actor Iain Glen, Silent Witness star Emilia Fox and well-known actress of the stage and screen Sheila Hancock.

Filming, which required around 200 extras, has taken place in the sunny streets of the village and The Old Chapel arts centre as well as other locations in the community. Scenes have also been shot at various locations across East Cornwall including Pentillie Castle in St Mellion and Port Eliot, St Germans.

Making their television debut as extras for the new series will be local youngsters, Beth Hill, 20, Beth Thompson, 20, Martha Roberts, 18, Harry O’Riley, 18, Alice Ross, 18.

Debbie Burdon, from Take 1 Casting, said: ‘We organise supporting artists for a number of productions filmed in the South West, including Poldark, Doc Martin, The Coroner and most recently Delicious.

‘We have also used local people who had expressed an interest in the production.’

Beth Thompson, who is currently studying musical theatre at a leading performing arts college, said: ‘Being an extra was a really good experience, the cast and crew were lovely and it’s been really interesting getting an insight into filming and the TV industry. It’s also fantastic how something this big has come to Calstock, it’s nice to see the place so busy.’

Calstock resident Beth Hill said: ‘I had a lovely day working alongside some great people at Pentille Castle, getting dressed up and being pampered by talented make up artists. Seeing how much work goes on behind the scenes was a real eye opener — the organisation is just incredible.

‘On arriving all of us extras known as SAs (supporting artists) went through a clothing check to ensure what we were wearing was appropriate (country clothes). Then we headed over to hair and make-up to get spruced up. Throughout the day there was a long wait for our scene, but it was definitely worth it! The shoot was in a remarkable place and we rocked up in a 2016 X5 BMW!’

Martha Roberts, also from Calstock, commented: ‘Although they were even filming right outside my house, I was actually an extra at Pentillie Castle where they were filming an outside party scene.

‘The first thing we had to do was sing happy birthday around 15 times until we did it with enough enthusiasm. During another scene we had to dance with no music because the actors had dialogue, the crew would play the start of a song to give us the beat and then turn it off, so it was like being in a silent disco.

‘The crew was so professional but still managed to make us laugh. When the professional actors and actresses came out, it was just so incredible to be able to work alongside them because they just treated you as they were treating each other.

‘It’s also so amazing how the entire cast and crew have fit into the local community — they couldn’t stop telling me how cute Calstock was and how lucky we were to live there.’

‘I’m so glad I did it for the experience and I am excited to see if this will bring a positive influx of business to Calstock and the surrounding area. The weather was so good on the days they were filming — I think it’ll make Calstock look amazing!’

A spokesperson for Calstock Parish Council said: ‘The parish council is pleased that the Sky production team of Delicious chose our wonderful village of Calstock to film their new TV series. We hope it will prove as popular as Poldark!’

Made by Bandit Television for Sky One and written by Dan Sefton (Mr Selfridge, Secret Diary of a Call Girl), Delicious is described as a compelling story of love, heartbreak, food and female friendship.

The series will tell the tale of passionate cook Gina (Dawn French) and former husband Leo Vincent (Iain Glen), a successful chef, entrepreneur and hotel owner, with whom she shares a daughter. Leo made his fortune from his exceptional Italian cooking and runs an idyllic hotel in the Tamar Valley.

Since divorcing Gina, Leo’s culinary empire has continued to flourish, with the fruits of success now being shared with his new wife Sam. However, Leo is keeping a secret which is set to upturn all of their lives.

In a friendship already born out of betrayal, Gina and Sam face the secrets and scandal that will bind them together in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Dawn French said of the drama: ‘Cornwall, summer, sunshine and the other S word — it will be delicious fun!’

Head of drama at Sky, Anne Mensah, said: ‘It’s incredibly exciting to welcome Dawn French to Sky One. We’ve been wanting to work with her for a long time and Delicious is just the perfect project.

‘It is funny, surprising and audacious but also compelling and emotional plus the wonderful Cornish countryside — it’s going to be a fabulous treat for our audience.’