Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne in Ludlow

The star, who bagged the Academy Award for his role as Professor Stephen Hawking in the Theory of Everything, was spotted with his wife, Hannah Bagshawe, looking at the displays in the The Silver Pear gift shop in the heart of Ludlow.

Spotted

The couple were spotted at around 5.15pm, not long before the shop was due to close for the day.

Sarah Coker and Olivia Wilcock thought they recognised the Les Miserables actor and approached him for a photograph.

"He came in and he was just browsing, said Sarah.

"He was in here for some time. We recognised him and asked if he would mind having his picture taken.

"He was very unassuming and very quiet. He obliged very politely."

Sarah said she had since heard rumours that the actor was making a new film in the region.

"I asked him why he was in the area and he hesitatingly said he was with friends," she added.

"But I've since heard that they are making a new film around here."

Janet Tuffley, who has owned the shop since 1999, said she was away at a wedding when the actor came in late last Saturday afternoon. However, she said she had since heard all about his visit.

"They said he was absolutely charming," she added. "He was happy to have his picture taken with the girls."

Ms Tuffley said Mr Redmayne was not the only famous face to call in to the gift shop, on Broad Street, over the years, with a number of well-known stars all coming through the door.

"We've had Jude Law," she added. "Jo Brand is a frequent visitor, and John Challis."

Other well-known visitors have included Jay Kay, the singer with funk band Jamiroquai and TV presenter and West End actress Denise Van Outen.