BUYERS had a treat as a host of familiar faces paid an auctioneers a visit while filming for a TV show.

BBC Two's Celebrity Antique Road Trip crew visited Stacey Auctioneers, in Websters Way, Rayleigh on Tuesday to film their latest episode, boasting a celebrity cast.

Award winning actress Geraldine James, best known for her role as Portia in the 1989 Broadway revival of the Merchant of Venice and Charles Dance, from Games of Thrones, Me Before You and the Intimidation Game were at the auctioneers searching for treasures, and competing to make the most money at auction.

Mark Stacey, a partner in the auctioneers said he was very excited for the filming. He said: “The day was fantastic. It was very exciting having everyone here.

“It is not the usual high calibre celebrities you expect to have. Lots of people wanted photographs with them and autographs. It made more of a buzz in the sale room.

“BBC 2 contacted us to ask if they could film at our site for their show and we were happy to have them.

“We know Charles reasonably well, he has been buying from our sale room for the last few years, mainly online.”

Without giving too much away before the show airs, Mr Stacey said: “The pair were pleased with what they bought and hopefully will make a profit from the items. They bought 12 lots between them.”

The auction house started in 1947 and boasts fine antiques, jewellery and collectables. Mr Stacey has always been involved. He said: “Antiques is my life and it is in my blood, I have been involved in the business since I was born.”

No stranger to having celebrity faces at their auctions, the auctioneers have previously welcomed television antiques experts Paul Hayes and Will Axon while filming for Children in Need previously.

Mr Stacey added: “We are quite used to celebrities visiting our sale room. It is almost like the norm, it is always good fun.

“A few years ago we had Eastenders actors come down, it was Rudolph Walker, who plays Patrick Trueman, and Pam St Clement, who starred as Pat Butcher with the money raised going to charity.

The show is expected to air on BBC 2 in the autumn.