EastEnders star Scott Maslen has traded the fictional Queen Vic pub for a Norfolk watering hole - the Hunworth Bell.

The 50-year-old actor who portrays Jack Branning on the BBC soap stopped into the Bell for a meal with members of his family while on a short break in Norfolk.

Alan Palmer, who works front-of-house at the venue, said they were delighted to welcome Mr Maslen.

North Norfolk News: EastEnders star Scott Maslen at the Hunworth Bell.EastEnders star Scott Maslen at the Hunworth Bell. (Image: Alan Palmer)

He said: "We were fully booked and had a late call asking if we could fit this family in. They came down and we found them a table.

"He was here with his in-laws - I think they live in Norwich - and he was staying for two or three days somewhere around Thornham. But I think he had to go back to London the next day for filming.

"He was a lovely guy - he posed for photos with a few regulars here, and we had a good chat, mostly about West Ham, who he's a big fan of."

Mr Palmer said Mr Maslen was one of several well-known visitors to the venue since it reopened in 2017.

North Norfolk News: EastEnders star Scott Maslen at the Hunworth Bell.EastEnders star Scott Maslen at the Hunworth Bell. (Image: Alan Palmer)

He said: "We've had a few famous people visit the Hunworth Bell over the last four years, including royalty - Prince Michael was here. Not bad for a rural restaurant in Norfolk!

"But Scott is definitely one of the most high-profile visitors we've had in that time."