Welsh Couple Shocked to Find Actor Martin Clunes Sleeping in Their Bed
A Welsh couple experienced a surreal moment when they turned on the TV and saw actor Martin Clunes sleeping in their bed. Gina Murray and her husband, Toby Eckley, opened their home to the filming of a gripping new ITV drama, creating a buzz in their village in Powys, Wales. The drama, titled ‘Out There,’ features Clunes as Welsh farmer Nathan Williams, with the couple’s 1500s farmhouse serving as the character’s home on-screen.
The picturesque Welsh property, painted grey to match the ominous sky, plays a significant role in setting the scene for the captivating story that premiered on January 19th. Gina and Toby were excited to see their working farm transformed into a filming location, meeting the cast and witnessing the behind-the-scenes magic. Gina describes the experience as fascinating and surreal, especially seeing Martin Clunes waking up in one of their beds on TV.
The Grade II* listed farm near the village of Llyswen has been in Toby’s family for generations. Despite the challenges of maintaining and renovating the ancient structure, Gina has always believed that their unique home would make a fantastic filming location. By a stroke of luck, their house caught the eye of Martin Clunes and his wife, Philippa Braithwaite, co-owners of Buffalo Pictures, the production company behind the drama.
The house underwent a transformation for its TV debut, with the exterior and barns extensively used for filming. A specialist was brought in to replicate the vintage wallpaper of the hallway in the studio, showcasing only a portion of the house on-screen. The couple watched as rooms were recreated, including the kitchen and lounge, in the studio to fit the filming requirements.
During the ten days of filming, Gina was impressed by the professionalism and warmth of the crew and cast. Martin Clunes, known for his amiable nature, bonded well with Toby, sharing their love for the outdoors and farming. The village of Llyswen embraced the filming, with locals excited about the unique opportunity happening in their community.
Gina now sees the potential of using their home for future TV and film projects to support the restoration of their historic house. She imagines their house becoming a setting for a horror movie, envisioning eerie scenes unfolding under a full moon. Despite the challenges of preserving their crumbling home, Gina remains optimistic about the prospects of showcasing its beauty on-screen.
The experience of having their home featured in a TV drama has left a lasting impression on Gina and Toby. As they reflect on the whirlwind filming process, they treasure the memories of Martin Clunes waking up in their bed and the friendships forged with the cast and crew. Their farmhouse in Powys has become more than just a backdrop for a TV show; it’s now a part of their cherished history and a potential gateway to new filming opportunities.