James Corden and Ruth Jones, the writers and stars behind Gavin and Stacey, have been filming their new comedy drama, The Choir, in Lewes this week.
Production is continuing in the town, with parts of Lewes transformed into the fictional English town of Alderswyck.
Images taken by Lewes resident Kath Owston show Corden filming outside the Oxfam shop in the High Street, which has been converted into a Post Office for the programme.
The former Lloyds Bank has been dressed as a fictional bank, while a nearby council building has become the “Alderswyck Council Office”.
James Corden filming at the Oxfam on Lewes High Street, which has been rebranded as a Post Office for the shoot (Image: Kath Owston)
Kath, who lives in South Street, said residents had known for several months that a major production was planning to film in the town.
She said: “I live on South Street, which is one of the locations that they want to film on.
“We got a letter asking if we would be interested in our house being used as the home where the James Corden and Ruth Jones characters live.
“They were offering £6,000! They put the letter through quite a few of the doors on South Street, so I think quite a few people replied saying they’d be up for it.”
Lewes is being rebranded as ‘Alderswyck’ for the new TV show (Image: Kath Owston)
Although the production ultimately chose another property as the characters’ home, Kath said her house would still play a role while filming takes place in South Street later this month.
She said: “They are going to use our house as a green room when James Corden is filming here on South Street, so that’s exciting. We’ll be hosting him here.
“He’ll be using our downstairs to put his make-up on and have his cup of tea.”
Kath photographed the activity in Lewes High Street and saw Corden filming outside the temporary Post Office.
She also spotted him leaving Fitzroy House.
James Corden filming in Lewes (Image: Kath Owston)
She said she hoped the production would provide a welcome boost for the town and its businesses.
Kath said: “I’ve been supporting the whole endeavour because I’m very pro it. I know there have been a lot of residents and neighbours saying negative things, and people on social media being totally negative.
“But I think, why can’t you embrace some joy sometimes? This could be the next Gavin and Stacey.
“It could bring in a lot of benefits for Lewes as a town, at a time when everybody’s struggling and businesses are shutting.
“I think it’s a very positive thing.”
Kath described herself as a fan of Gavin and Stacey and said she was pleased to see its creators working together again.
She said: “He’s great in Gavin and Stacey. I thought it was a terrific series and I’m really pleased that they’re doing another show.”
Apple has confirmed that The Choir will be an eight-part comedy drama about family, friendship, love and music.
It will be the first project created by Ruth Jones and James Corden together since Gavin and Stacey: The Finale.
The pair will play estranged siblings Ben and Lisa, who have not seen each other for several years.
A closed bank has also been rebranded for the filming (Image: Kath Owston)
Ben has been living abroad, while Lisa has remained in the small English town where they grew up.
Apple says the programme is now in production and is due to be shown around the world in 2027.
It has not publicly confirmed a more precise release date.