A Coronation Street star popped into a Suffolk tea room for a return visit ahead of Christmas.

Sean Wilson, who portrayed Martin Platt on the ITV soap for 1,644 episodes, stopped by Lavenham Blue Tea Rooms and enjoyed a mince pie on Thursday.

He made his first visit to the shop earlier this year in February and has vowed to make it his "regular Christmas stop off", according to owner Amanda Mortimer.

She said: "He's such a lovely guy and he's been to us a couple of times.

"He was on his way to Norfolk and he popped in specially to see us which was just lovely.

"He absolutely loves the tea rooms and the food - the mince pies yesterday were a huge hit with him.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mince pies at Lavenham Blue Tea RoomsMince pies at Lavenham Blue Tea Rooms (Image: Lavenham Blue Tea Rooms)

"When he ordered them yesterday, he said 'I've left room for a mince pie' and we brought it out with that wow factor.

"We put some little gingerbread men with them and he said they were 'royal' mince pies."

Sean Wilson appeared in the show from 1985 until 2005 and also made a brief return in 2018.

During his run, he appeared in 1,644 episodes.

Wilson is not the only Coronation Street actor to stop by the store, with David Neilson, who plays Roy Cropper, grabbing a bite to eat before lockdown.

Ms Mortimer added that the business has been very busy over the Christmas period and the festive afternoon tea is proving a popular choice among guests after it was introduced in November.

East Anglian Daily Times: Festive treats at Lavenham Blue Tea RoomsFestive treats at Lavenham Blue Tea Rooms (Image: Lavenham Blue Tea Rooms)

Another success for the business in the build up to Christmas has been the 'dog of the day' competition.

Ms Mortimer said: "My biggest thing that I've done in December is I've done a December 'Dog of the Day' advent calendar.

"We love dogs and because we're dog friendly, every day when we've had a dog in, they've had the treat out of the calendar and their photograph taken.

"I've got a very loyal following of customers.

"It means a huge amount to get repeat customers like Sean  and we're very proud."

Lavenham Blue Vintage Tea Rooms can be found in Market Place, Lavenham.