Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle was spotted outside a Suffolk cash and carry store yesterday as filming for his latest movie got under way.

East Anglian Daily Times: Film crew start preparations for filming a new Danny Boyle movie in Halesworth Thoroughfare. Picture: NICK BUTCHERFilm crew start preparations for filming a new Danny Boyle movie in Halesworth Thoroughfare. Picture: NICK BUTCHER (Image: Archant � 2018)

Boyle was seen outside Booker Wholesale in Oulton, near Lowestoft, while filming for his new romantic comedy went on inside.

The film, which is also produced by Richard Curtis, is thought to be set in a world where The Beatles never existed.

There was a bustle of activity as the production team coordinated the day’s events, with Boyle and Curtis occasionally seen walking in and out of the store.

Publicists for Working Title Films remained tight-lipped as to the nature of yesterday’s filming, but confirmed that Baby Driver star Lily James was involved alongside Himish Patel, who played Tamwar Masood in Eastenders.

East Anglian Daily Times: Film crew start preparations for filming a new Danny Boyle movie in Halesworth Thoroughfare. Picture: NICK BUTCHERFilm crew start preparations for filming a new Danny Boyle movie in Halesworth Thoroughfare. Picture: NICK BUTCHER (Image: Archant � 2018)

However, they went on to say that Suffolk megastar Ed Sheeran – rumoured to be making a cameo appearance in the film – had no role to play in the day’s proceedings.

Some of the movie was shot at the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston on Monday. The hospital would only confirm the filming had taken place.

The project will now move across Suffolk to Halesworth where production crews spent yesterday preparing various locations around the town.

It appears the town will provide the setting for a dramatic rain scene.

East Anglian Daily Times: Filming underway for Danny Boyle's new movie in Halesworth Thoroughfare. Picture: NICK BUTCHERFilming underway for Danny Boyle's new movie in Halesworth Thoroughfare. Picture: NICK BUTCHER (Image: Archant � 2018)

Nigel Kemp, owner of Halesworth Toy Shop, said: “A lot of the scenes will be done when the shops are closed and they are bringing in big rain machines for a night time rain scene.

“They told us to make sure we keep our windows and doors shut.”

Filming will be concentrated at The White Hart pub, The Hideout Café and on Halesworth Thoroughfare.

Emma Saunders, who owns The Hideout Café, said: “It will be great for the town and put Halesworth on the map.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Hideout Cafe in Halesworth Thoroughfare during the filming. Picture: NICK BUTCHERThe Hideout Cafe in Halesworth Thoroughfare during the filming. Picture: NICK BUTCHER (Image: Archant � 2018)

“People are really excited and have been coming in and asking questions.”

Mrs Saunders and members of her staff are set to feature as extras when filming takes place.

She added: “We are terrified but excited.

“We have never had anything like this in Halesworth before; it will be an amazing experience.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Film crews unload in Halesworth. Picture: NICK BUTCHERFilm crews unload in Halesworth. Picture: NICK BUTCHER (Image: Archant � 2018)