A FAMOUS couple visited a Fordham shop and tearoom which is set to feature on a new series of Antiques Road Trip.

Countdown's Rachel Riley and Strictly's Pasha Kovalev visited The Shoulder of Mutton Antiques Centre as part of the latest series which is to be aired this autumn.

The celebrity version of the show sees antiques experts accompany famous faces to search for treasures, negotiate prices and competing to make the most money at auction.

After car troubles a sudden thunderstorm and an ill-timed appearance from a bin lorry threatened the success of the filming on July 20 - the television crew pulled up in Fordham with anti David Harper and celebrity guest Rachel Riley in tow.

Jonathan Neill, who has always had a passion for antiques, vintage items and collectibles, opened the Fordham shop last September during the pandemic, and runs it with his wife, Jaci.

The pair renovated the 700-year-old building, delighting the locals by bringing life back to the pub which had remained unused for years and converting the space into an antiques centre with licensed tearooms.

The Shoulder of Mutton staff welcomed the cast and crew of Antiques Road Trip with refreshments from their tearoom.

Harper and Riley were then given a tour of the four antique-filled rooms and were free to explore the outside patio and courtyard where outdoor dining seating is bordered by garden ornaments, planters and bird baths.

With a baby on the way and a toddler at home, Riley was particularly interested in a 1950s mock Tudor doll’s house as well as a vintage mobo rocking horse.

Harper was given special access to what the team at The Shoulder of Mutton refers to as the ‘ghost room’.

The historic Grade II listed village building is rumoured to house the spirit of an old barmaid, nicknamed ‘the green lady.’

While some of the more spiritual customers can feel the presence of a ghost upon entering the building, Harper was relieved to note that he felt nothing even in the storage room where her presence is believed to be most strongly felt.

Riley’s husband and Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev later joined to complete the filming.

Mr Neil said:“It was a pleasure to have the experts, celebrity and crew at our centre. They were great fun to work with and so friendly. We hope to have them back in the future.”

For more information on The Shoulder of Mutton Antiques and Collectibles Centre, visit theshoulder.uk.