Star Joan brings a bit of Hollywood to Southsea seafront

But yesterday Dame Joan Collins came to town to shoot scenes for a new film.

The 83-year-old Dynasty star was on location at the seafront and at the Queen’s Hotel in Clarence Parade on Monday and yesterday for her movie The Time Of Their Lives.

The film, which is also being shot in Bournemouth, follows two women heading off on a journey after escaping from their retirement home.

Collins plays former Hollywood siren Helen, who bids to gatecrash her ex-lover’s funeral in France and is assisted by Priscilla, played by Bafta-winning Pauline Collins.

The two actors were both on set and filmed scenes in the hotel.

A body double for Pauline Collins was filmed leaping into the sea after a dummy for a child rescue scene that will form part of the film.

A spokesman at the hotel, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘I can confirm Joan Collins and a production crew were here at the hotel earlier this week.

‘They were filming in and around the hotel, such as in the restaurant, the lounge and in the bedrooms.’

The movie is being directed by Call The Midwife director Roger Goldby.

Despite working in the luxury hotel, the Hollywood star was less than impressed about the downpours on the south coast as the city was enveloped in frequent rain showers.

She said: ‘It’s lovely being in Portsmouth, it’s just a shame about the wretched weather.’

Collins has been keeping her followers informed about news of the film on social media.

She posted a picture of her relaxing in one of the hotel’s rooms yesterday, saying: ‘Working hard on location at #TOTL film whew! Actually I am. This is just the lunch break!’

She then headed down to have a look at the city’s famous Spinnaker Tower in Gunwharf Quays later on in the day.

She commented: ‘A lovely British summer evening by the Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.’

Filming for the comedy began earlier this month in France and the production crew are shooting in parts of London later on this year.

The 40-strong film crew shot scenes on board Brittany Ferries’ Mont St Michel in the past week.

Many passengers watched in fascination as the cameras rolled on the ship’s deck, in the bar and on the main stairwell.

The film is due to be released in spring 2017.