The Hoskins family met Emma Thompson at Fleet services on their way to Folkestone to catch the Le Shuttle service.
Two-time Oscar Ms Thompson, who was awarded the prestigious statuette in 1992 for Best Actress in Howards End and in 1995 for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sense and Sensibility, was at the service station with her husband, actor Greg Wise.
Paul and Zoe Hoskins and their daughter Holly, aged eight, were delighted to have a chance encounter with the star.
It came after they ate a Taco Bell meal at the services. Mr Hoskins said he was overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness shown by Ms Thompson, who took time out to talk to his daughter.
Mr Hoskins said: “We were travelling up to Folkestone to stay the night ready to catch the Le Shuttle the next morning.
“We decided to stop off at Fleet services to grab some food and we had just finished and were using the toilet.
“I was waiting outside WH Smith and thought it best I move so that Holly and her mum Zoe could see me when leaving the toilet.
“As I turned around I was face to face with Emma and I did a double take and just blurted out ‘you’re my daughter’s favourite actress, but she’s in the toilet.”
The kind celebrity then offered to wait to meet young Holly, who goes to Radipole Primary School in Weymouth.
Mr Hoskins said he told the star his daughter would love to meet her but didn’t want to put her out.
He said: “Emma then asked me if I knew if there was a water refill station, unfortunately I didn’t so Emma and her husband Greg said they would just pop into Smiths and I should wait.
“Emma then asked what my daughter’s name was. I said ‘Holly’ and Emma and Greg went into Smiths.
“Holly came back from the toilets and I said to Holly ‘I have a friend that wants to meet you.’
Emma Thompson took time out to meet a young fan from Weymouth at Fleet Services (Image: Supplied)
“When Emma came out she walked straight up to us and said ‘Hello Holly, nice to meet you, I’m Emma!
“Holly was star struck and was smiling from ear to ear
“Holly said ‘you are my favourite actress.’ Emma asked ‘What films have you watched?’
“Holly said ‘Matilda, Cruella and Nanny McPhee’.
“Emma was made up that Holly reeled off all those films and said it made her ‘very happy’ as ‘it’s all for you (children and fans)’.
“She mentioned she was on her way back from a weekend with Mark Strong.
“She then asked Holly if she wanted a hug and a photo, which Holly was made up about.”
It couldn’t have been a better start to their holiday for the Hoskins, who are now enjoying a week’s break in Rossiniere, Switzerland.
Mr Hoskins added: “Emma Thompson is such a lovely lady and we were flattered she took the time to stop and make the time to meet Holly whilst in Fleet services.
“Holly said she feels excited, joyful and happy after meeting her.
“We drove down to Switzerland through France and we still couldn’t believe how lucky we were. And are still talking about it!”