Amateur thespians served up grub by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Felicity Kendal, Keeley Hawes and Philip Glenister.

AMATEUR actors were served up a delicious meal by a trio of television stars and a celebrity chef – after being selected to appear on the small screen themselves.

A rehearsal for Sidmouth Musical Comedy Society’s latest show was filmed by the crew behind Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s Channel 4 hit River Cottage this week.

And six lucky members of the group were treated to a special dinner at the cook’s Axminster eatery on Tuesday.

The star-struck local thespians were stunned to be served a three-course treat by Felicity Kendal, Keeley Hawes and Philip Glenister.

“I expect we’ll only be a minor part of the programme, but it was certainly quite an experience,” said Jacqui Self, who runs the society with her husband Geoff.

“The actors were very down to earth. It was really weird seeing them in the flesh – they were just ordinary people,” she added.

Tasty food included nettle soup, a fish course and rhubarb ice cream.

A film crew attended a Sidmouth Musical Comedy Society rehearsal for Acorn Antiques – set for the Manor Pavilion from May 30 to June 2 – on Monday.

The society was selected by the production company behind River Cottage as the next run of the series will contrast amateurs with professionals - with famous names helping to cook dinner for their less widely-known counterparts.

Jacqui said she hopes the show will be screened later this summer.