A well-known former soap star has been spotted filming in East Lancashire for the new series of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.

Ryan Thomas, who played Jason Grimshaw in ITV’s Coronation Street, and art expert Natasha Raskin-Sharp, rocked-up at Rossendale Antique and Vintage Warehouse in Haslingden on Saturday to film for series 11 of the BBC Two show.

Lancashire Telegraph: Natasha and RyanNatasha and Ryan (Image: Social media)

Ryan, Natasha, and the crew spent several hours browsing through the mill and purchased a lovely antique table.

John Hing, 75, who runs the warehouse based in Hargreaves Street, said: “We’ve only been open in this premises since April, and there’s 15 different dealers who sell their items from here.

“During lockdown when all the antiques fairs and flea markets were closed, we all got together and said, wouldn’t it be good if we could get something all under one roof – an informal place where people could come and browse and sell their antiques.

“So when we saw this place became available we took it on.

“We got a call from the production company of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip who said they had heard about us and wanted to come and film for the new series, and obviously we said yes.

“Ryan and Natasha were lovely. Ryan had to catch a train as he was going on holiday later that day so he only stayed for an hour or so but the rest of the crew were here for about three hours.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Ryan and Natasha arrive in styleRyan and Natasha arrive in style (Image: Social media)

Mr Hing, who lives in Ramsbottom, said the crew filmed right across the warehouse and were so impressed with the set-up they hinted they might return at a later date to do more filming.

He continued: “They even got me on camera, before buying an antique drum table from us.

“It was a fantastic day for us, we had a tremendous response on our Facebook page, something like 8,000 hits, which was great.”

Rossendale Antique and Vintage Warehouse sells items from as little as £2, with some wares selling for thousands.

And Mr Hing, who retired 10 years ago, says he now works harder in the warehouse than he did when he was employed full time.

He went on: “I love it so much I just can’t stay away.”

Lancashire Telegraph: John Hing and Ryan ThomasJohn Hing and Ryan Thomas (Image: Social media)

The new series of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip is due to air on BBC Two later this year, with the Rossendale episode expected to grace our screens in mid-December.