Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr spotted filming in Scots seaside town ahead of 50th birthday
TV funnyman Alan Carr has been spotted filming in the Scottish Borders as he celebrates his 50th birthday this weekend.
The Chatty Man host, who recently bought Ayton Castle, is starring in a brand-new Disney+ series, which follows him on his journey to owning an historic home.
The programme is being produced by Expectation, the company behind the hit series Clarkson's Farm.
A local boat tour operator has shared a picture of Carr by the harbour in nearby Eyemouth on Saturday.
It’s understood the company’s rib acted as a safety boat and had a film crew on board.
“Our skipper was lucky enough to meet Mr Chattyman yesterday in between trips,” said a spokesperson for Rib Rides St Abbs.
“We were very happy to be involved in his birthday celebrations, and it was lovely to meet him; really nice to chat with the chatty man.”
Ayton Castle announced that its grounds are closed to the public this weekend, ahead of Carr's milestone birthday today (Sunday).
The temporary closure comes just weeks after the comedian confirmed he had purchased the historic property.
A spokesperson said: “From 6pm on Friday 12th of June until 8am Monday 15th, the Estate will be closed to the public.
“Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.”
It's prompted a mixed response from locals, some of whom had previously questioned what the change in ownership would mean for access to the castle grounds.
One poster said: "Ooh, I wonder who's visiting??"
Another added: "I hope he realises that the post being put up will mean Ayton will be overrun with sightseers this weekend!"
A third said: "Got a feeling these closures will become more frequent now that it’s owned by a 'celebrity'."
But another replied: "Am sure everyone can cope with the guy having a private doo on. He does own the place so should be able to have sometime to enjoy without every Tom, Betty, Bob and Pat coming in for a (nosey) around, knowing his friends are there.
"He will have things for everyone to enjoy in the future am sure."
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A meeting was due to take place in Ayton Church last month with both the production company and Alan Carr regarding his plans for the castle and the impact on the village of filming.
The minutes of a recent meeting of Ayton Community Council state: “It was now widely reported that celebrity Alan Carr was in the process of purchasing Ayton Castle from the current owners.
“At this point only one series of eight episodes of the programme had been agreed.
“The castle will become Alan Carr’s main home, it will not be a hotel or spa.
“The production would involve a crew of 20 people and they would be looking to use local suppliers where possible to meet any of their needs.”
PICTURED: It's been a big weekend for famous faces in the Scottish Borders. With Outlander's Sam Heughan, above, at the Borders Book Festival in Melrose and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill - pictured, below, enjoying the hospitality from the town's Salmon Inn - speaking at a supporters' event in Galashiels.
Later this week, Alan Carr is due to perform his first sold-out show at MacArts in Galashiels.
We previously reported that all the tickets for the 150-seat venue were snapped up in less than two minutes of going on sale.
The Celebrity Traitors winner approached staff to enquire about trying out some new material "with some of his comedy friends" ahead of his upcoming tour, called “Have I Said Too Much?”
Most of the dates, which include venues like the Edinburgh Playhouse and Manchester Opera House, have already sold out.
Fans had earlier described Thursday's booking as a real "coup" for the former church, which has also attracted the likes of fellow stand-up Jack Dee and was recently crowned best small venue at the Scottish Live Music awards.
Another added: "I thought this was a prank at first. This is just brilliant."
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