A murder mystery involving a city newcomer, resentment and a deadly quiche has gripped Biddestone for the past fortnight.

The village has a starring role alongside Extras actress Ashley Jensen, Cold Feet’s Hermione Norris and Gavin and Stacey’s Matthew Horne in a two-hour Christmas drama, Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, for Sky.

The comedy drama sees Miss Jensen, who also starred in US hit Ugly Betty, move to the countryside for a quiet life. Her big city ways alarm the locals so she enters a quiche-making competition to ingratiate herself but ends up as a suspect in a murder mystery.

The film is based on the character created by M C Beaton.

Filmmaker Mammoth Screen was due to pack up today after filming 11 hours a day for a fortnight.

The finished film will include plenty of wide shots of the village and almost every house surrounding the green. The cottage next to the duckpond features heavily, said location manager Johnny Ludlow.

He added: “The public here have been fantastic, really understanding.

"In my 18 years as a location manager, I’ve been brought cups of tea but never before have I been given cupcakes and brownies. There’s a great community spirit.”

He said although Biddestone is known as Carsley in the film it will seem very familiar to those who know it.

“Many of the houses have been dressed as something different, for example a doctor’s surgery or a general store, but they will definitely be recognisable to people,” he said.

He said he had been renting a cottage in the village, while the actors stayed in a hotel in Bristol. They also include Mathew Horne, from Gavin and Stacey, Teachers and Bad Education.

During his stay Mr Ludlow ate in the White Horse and the Biddestone Arms as well as the Methuen Arms in Corsham, and he said all the food had been great.

White Horse landlady Sarah Nolan said: “They’ve been filming here and just outside and they’ve been in and out. It’s been a very interesting process to watch, very exciting to have them here.

"Ashley Jensen came in, we all knew who she was. I’ve seen her in Extras and Ugly Betty.

"Lots of people have been coming in wanting to know what’s going on. It’s been a very positive experience for us.”