A BBC star was spotted in Hemel Hempstead filming the latest season of one of the broadcaster’s biggest recent hits.

Pictures show sitcom favourite David Mitchell outside Bank Court in Hemel Hempstead filming the third season of Ludwig.

Dan Stobbs, who took photos of the great panel show performer, also revealed that Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Hub was transformed into a fictional bank as part of the production.

Filming coincided with the recent announcement from the BBC that Ludwig, the Mitchell-led comedy detective series, is the most streamed scripted show on the broadcaster’s iPlayer service this year.

David Mitchell on the case in Hemel Hempstead. Credit: Dan Stobbs

placeholder image — David Mitchell on the case in Hemel Hempstead. Credit: Dan Stobbs

As part of Dacorum’s transformation, signage was erected in Hemel Hempstead reading: “Welcome to Elmswick, Cambridgeshire”. While the nearby tea room was temporarily named “Bryford Bank”.

Dan said he also witnessed a scene in which a man with tights covering his face and carrying a big bag racing into the fictional bank to commit a robbery.

In Dan’s photos Mitchell can be seen in character as accidental detective John "Ludwig" Taylor who is answering a call.

Dan added: “I’ve supported Liberty for years, so when they announced a secret filming project, I couldn’t resist going down to see what was happening. The transformation is incredible – if you didn’t know the place, you’d think it really was a bank. But I can’t wait for the filming to finish and the tea rooms to reopen, so I can pop in for coffee and cake.”

The panel show star on the phone for the third season of Ludwig. Credit: Dan Stobbs

Prior to filming the community counter confirmed it would be closed until October 7.

Liberty Tea Rooms is subject to a crowdfunding appeal which can be viewed online here. A trustee revealed that the charity is looking to raise £25,000 to assist with running costs.

Ludwig was renewed for a third season prior to the release of season 2 on BBC One and the iPlayer. Many other scenes in the light-hearted comedic crime drama are filmed in Cambridge.

Dacorum has become a Hollywood hotspot in recent years with major productions, including the Ryan Gosling hit Project Hail Mary, filming scenes within the region.

Netflix crews have also rocked up in Hemel Hempstead with Ricky Gervais’ After Life and the third film in the Knives Out franchise both filming scenes in Hemel Hempstead.