VINTAGE lovers at Winchester’s Molly’s Den had a surprise visit when the stars of BBC’s Celebrity Antiques Road Trip turned up to film an episode.

Antiques expert Philip Serrell and One Show and Watchdog star Michelle Ackerley arrived at the Easton Lane emporium in a classic Mercedes 220 SE Convertible, where they were greeted by Molly’s Den Winchester store manager Stephen Berry and new owner John East-Rigby.

Molly’s Den have three sites along the south coast, including the Winchester branch, and each is filled with hundreds of traders selling vintage, retro and antique collectables and pieces.

The team said they were delighted to receive a phone call just a few days before filming took place to ask if they would be happy to be a location.

The show sees celebrities working with an antiques expert in a bid find gems to take to auction. All the money raised goes to Children in Need.

Manager Stephen Berry said the filming went very well, with the team staying a few hours and having a good look round at items to buy. He said: “They were very friendly – quite chatty. I went around with Philip and we identified a few items that might be of interest to them, before they went to explore further.”

Philip and Michelle had a quick cup of tea in the café before heading downstairs to the till to bag a bargain. Molly’s Den regulars will recognise Stephen, as he will be playing a starring role when the episode airs, making the final deal at the till.

He said: “Philip was very grateful, he kept saying thank you and that he really appreciated our help. He was very friendly – a very nice man. It was a fantastic experience – all the team really enjoyed it.”

New owner, John East-Rigby, took over the emporiums late last year. He said: “It was great to have them at Molly’s Den – it was very exciting to have the film crew there, it’s the first time since I took over last year that we have had them in. I hope they had a wonderful time exploring the treasure trove that is Molly’s Den and hopefully we will see them back soon.”

The episode is set to air on TV in the autumn.