THE stars of popular TV comedy Stella arrived in Usk this week to begin filming the Christmas special to be aired on Sky 1 later this year.

Thanks to the magic of television the town’s historic Sessions House was transformed into a Pontyberry winter wonderland while delighted residents looked on hoping to catch a glimpse of series regulars Ruth Jones, Craig Gallivan (Luke), Di Botcher] (Auntie Brenda) and Patrick Baladi (Michael).

More usually filmed in the Rhondda Valley, the series follows the life of single mother Stella Morris and her assorted - and eccentric - friends and family.

With the series reportedly taking a break after three successful years - fans are eagerly waiting to see what has happened to the characters since the end of the last episode so may be able to glean some clues from the Usk filming.