The owner of a fish and chip shop in Princes Risborough said he was ‘flattered’ after his business was approached to appear in a new TV show.

Mark Wheatley, who runs Princes Fish and Chips in the town, was contacted by a production team who asked for permission to film at the Market Place venue on September 30 and October 1.

Their presence in the town was to shoot the opening episode of a comedy programme called ‘Downforce’.

According to IMBD (Internet Movie Database), the show focuses on an heiress to a racing team who is thrust into the family business.

She needs to decide the future of the team and her family's legacy.

It stars Eve Hewson, who is the daughter of U2 front-man, Bono, and Emmy winner, Murray Bartlett.

The two were spotted walking in and out of the premises last week, and Mr Wheatley said he was ‘happy’ about the experience.

And whilst only one episode has been filmed, if the pilot is a success with viewers, 12 episodes will be commissioned to be made in the next year.

He told the Free Press: “It came out of the blue as they approached us.

“They said that they were looking for a traditional fish and chip shop and with us being based in a market town, it matched what they were looking for.

“We closed for two days so we weren’t able to serve any customers, but, we did serve fish and chips for one of the scenes.

“I must admit, I am very flattered.

“It’s funny because a few of my regulars and even my traders have asked me for my autograph!

“It’s all for a bit of fun.”

The chip shop boasts around 2,000 regulars per week, and with Risborough being regarded as a commuter town, Princes benefits from customers who are passing through the area.

However, the owner, who also runs the town’s café along Duke Street, has pleaded with locals to visit their town’s respective stores at the risk of closure.

Numerous shops, pubs and eateries in Buckinghamshire have ceased treading since 2020 due to the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, with rent and utilities increasing.

He added: “Anyone in the area knows that the town is in need of a huge increase in footfall.

“So it’s imperative that people use local businesses in the area.

“Us chippies have been hit hard, especially with the cost of fish after what happened with Russia and Ukraine, but we’re getting by.

“I’ve been here for 23 years, and I’ve just signed a 10-year lease to stay in the area, so I think I’ll be OK.

“But there are lots of independent shops in Risborough that need support.”

Princes Fish and Chips and the Risborough Café have been based in the town for well over two decades, with both establishments being used by local celebrities.

These include Only Fools and Horses actor David Jason (the café has an Only Fools-inspired menu), Jamiroquai lead singer Jay Kay (who lives in Horsneden), and the late Girls Aloud singer, Sarah Harding.

It was rumoured that the latter would visit the chip shop ‘several times a week’ before her breast cancer diagnosis in 2020.

She would succumb to her illness in September 2021, two-and-a-half months short of her 40th birthday.

Both businesses also boast positive online scores, with the fish and chip shop currently having a rating of 4.1/5 from 212 reviews, whilst the café has a score 4.5/5 from 51 testimonials.