Lily James spotted on set of Danny Boyle film in Halesworth

Lily James during the shooting of a scene for Danny Boyle's new film, in the Halesworth. Picture Joe Giddens/PA Wire.

The 29-year-old, best known for her roles in Downton Abbey, Cinderella and Darkest Hour, arrived on set on Wednesday in a blue floral dress and denim jacket to shoot scenes for the film, which is believed to be set in a world where The Beatles never existed.

The English actress, who is set to play the young Donna in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, was seen filming scenes with former EastEnders star Himesh Patel.

Windows at The White Hart Inn, in the Thoroughfare, were blocked out as filming got under way inside and cast and crew could be seen coming and going.

Scenes were also shot at The Hideout Café and the Thoroughfare itself with many people from the town enjoying their roles as extras in the production.

Lily James on set during filming of a new Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis movie in Halesworth. Picture: Nick Butcher. (Image: Archant © 2018)

Throughout the day many residents and shop owners stopped to observe the filming process and writer Richard Curtis chatted and posed for photographs with fans as he walked between shooting locations.

Jo Crampton, who owns Banyan in the Thoroughfare, was among those watching on in anticipation.

She said: 'It's been great, we love it. The town has been buzzing.

'We've seen a lot of new faces, we saw Richard Curtis and Meera Syal and I'm sure we saw Sanjeev Bhaskar.'

Lily James on set during filming of a new Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis movie in Halesworth. Picture: Nick Butcher. (Image: Archant © 2018)

Ms Crampton added: 'I think it's really interesting. It is a lovely insight into British filmmaking, there are so many people involved and waiting to do their little bit just to bring it all together.'

A publicist confirmed Ed Sheeran, who is rumoured to have a cameo in the film, did not feature in the day's shoot – much to the disappointment of the schoolgirls who waited around to meet the global chart topper.

This week filming has been taking place across the region and is thought to be travelling to Gorleston today.

Film crews take over Halesworth Thoroughfare during the filming of a new Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis movie.Danny Boyle working on set.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)