A JEWELLERS was turned into a tattoo parlour for the filming of hit BBC One drama Silent Witness and enjoyed a visit from a James Bond star.

Gold Coast Jewellers in Brighton had a temporary makeover for the silver-screen, with the side of the shop turned into a tattoo parlour for the British crime series.

Barry Tuck, the owner of the shop in Brighton Square, said: “It was the production team’s original plan to use the shop next door, but then we took on the challenge. It’s really good fun and it’s great to support the film industry and I hope it attracts a lot of attention.”

Members of the crew had been browsing Barry’s wares themselves and he even has some potential sales.

Gold Coast Jewellers has been in The Lanes since 1982 and its owner even got a picture taken with guest star Samantha Bond, best known for playing Miss Moneypenny in four James Bond films - in the Pierce Brosnan era.

“Over the years I’ve seen filming done for TV shows and movies but we’ve never been part of it so it’s all very exciting,” he added.

As the cast and crew descended to the narrow streets to film the scenes, shop traders and interested onlookers clambered to the streets with their mobile phones in hopes of spotting and snapping stars from the detective drama.

Traders also grabbed a snap with Liz Carr, the dead-pan and sarcastic forensic examiner, Clarissa Mullery.

The impulsive photographer, 23-year-old Romina Duplain was ecstatic with the sighting.

“I’ve known they were coming for a while and I’ve been excited ever since”

“It’s great that they’re using The Lanes as it’s such an amazing spot in the city”

Coral Benzecrit from neighbouring shop, Pecksmiths Fragrances was also delighted that the TV stars were in town.

“They’re going to use our window too and I’m a massive Silent Witness fan”

“I’m having such a fun day, I love it, I’m just looking forward to seeing some of the actors.”

The TV crew had spent the day filming within the city, with another scene involving the actors searching a bin for a dead body filmed on Chesham Place.

The BBC One detective drama about a team of forensic pathologists and is now in its 22nd season.

It’s unknown when the seemingly-Brighton themed episode will air.