The ex-EastEnders star, best known for his role as Dennis Watts in the TV soap, called in on Richardson's Fish Bar for some fish and chips.

He was on the Fylde coast while appearing at Blackpool's Grand Theatre in Dad's Army, playing the role of Cockney spiv Pte Walker.

Chris Richardson, who runs the takeaway and diner on the corner of Lord Street and Poulton Street, said: "It seems that we are on a list of local places that actors at the Grand are recommended to visit.

"Leslie Grantham just called in here with two friends and sat in the corner for a fish and chips meal.

"He was very friendly – and he sounded just like he does on TV. While he was here he agreed to have his photo taken with me, and he did the same for some young students who were in."

EastEnders is set in fictional Albert Square and Fleetwood has its own square of the same name, where the Rowntree clock stands.

But the 60-year-old thespian has left his soap days behind him and is now regularly appearing on stage.

Richardson's Fish Bar first opened in July 2006 as a family addition to the existing Richardson's takeaway on Poulton Road, which is still operating.