THE stars were out in force as film crews rolled in to Amersham for two hit BBC shows this week.

Amanda Redman, Dennis Waterman and Alun Armstrong were all in town to shoot a scene for the new series of drama New Tricks on Monday.

But that wasn't the only show being filmed as the crew's catering was provided by a Celebrity Masterchef challenge that was taking place at the same time.

New Tricks was filmed inside The Artichoke restaurant in Market Square after a locally-based location manager picked it out.

Restaurant owner Laurie Gear said: "I thought it might bring a little bit of excitement to the town - it's got to be a positive.

"Ironically the day after the filming they actually came back for a proper lunch. They were all super friendly people."

Details of what happens in the show are being kept firmly under wraps but the scene shot at The Artichoke features a cameo appearance from the restaurant's manager Ludovic Crosson.

Whilst taking a break from filming staff tucked in to food being provided by contestants taking part in Celebrity Masterchef, who had been set the task of feeding the crew and cast.

Hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace were both in town to oversee the filming, with Morrocan lamb and couscous being served up from the catering van in the Old Town car park.