A pub has changed its name after more than 200 years to play its own part in a new television series starring BAFRTA nominated actor Timothy Spall.

The Kersey Bell, close to Hadleigh, has had its named changed to the Queens Arms as filming has started for an adaptation of author Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders.

A film crew based at the Donkey, in Stone Street, Hadleigh have already started shooting and are expected to be filming in the area over the next three weeks.

Catering vans, large trucks and film equipment have been in evidence at the car park of the Donkey with security guards keeping visitors at bay.

Extras have been spotted in a field in Milden, a drone will be used to capture action above the road between Lindsey and Kersey with the Bell/Queens Arms central to the action.

While the pub building is believed to go back to the 14th century, Suffolk records show the Bell in Kersey Street was first listed at auction in April 1813 and bought by Robert Ward, when it had three parlours, six chambers, good kitchen, brew house, pantry, cellar and wash house, stable, yard, cart lodge and an excellent malting office with chambers for 15 coombs steep, according to the Suffolk Chronicle.

Despite the filming, which is expected to last in the area for three weeks, the Kesey Bell (Queens Arms) is operating outside in line with government restrictions with a spacious garden area for customers to enjoy this scenic pub.

Part of the adaptation will also be shot in Ireland and is due to launch on BritBox UK and MASTERPIECE on PBS in 2022.

Eleventh Hour Films, MASTERPIECE and BritBox UK are putting the production together, with Spall OBE cast alongside Lesley Manville CBE in the upcoming adaptation of Magpie Murders, which is described as a beguiling murder mystery with a solution that will both astonish and grip viewers.

Spall will star as the clever and complex detective Atticus Pünd in the fictional novels by best-selling mystery writer Alan Conway. The plot of Magpie Murders revolves around the character Susan Ryeland (Manville), an editor who is given an unfinished Conway manuscript and has little idea it will change her life.

Spall said: "I am delighted to be part of this adaptation of Magpie Murders, and to be working once again with the immensely talented Lesley Manville , Peter Cattaneo, the fantastic cast and all the team at Eleventh Hour Films. I have huge respect for Anthony Horowitz and think the audience will really enjoy his brilliant adaptation of his wonderful and ingenious novel. I'm really looking forward to getting to grips with bringing the intriguing Atticus Pünd to life."

Anthony Horowitz, author and screenwriter of Magpie Murders, says "I was overjoyed when I heard that Timothy Spall had accepted the part of Atticus Pünd. I'm a lifelong fan and there isn't another actor in the world I would have chosen for this pivotal role."

Jill Green, Chief Executive, Eleventh Hour Films, says "Atticus Pünd is a complex, deep thinking 1950s detective who is at the top of his game – so who better than to have Timothy Spall?"

Susanne Simpson, Executive Producer, MASTERPIECE, said: "Our MASTERPIECE viewers know Timothy Spall from his incredible performances in many of our shows. I can't wait to see this amazing actor take on the role of Atticus Pünd."

Will Harrison, Managing Director, BritBox UK, added: "Timothy Spall is a British acting icon and the perfect choice to play Atticus Pünd. We're so pleased to see production get underway, and can't wait to share Magpie Murders with our subscribers."

Established in 2010, Eleventh Hour Films enjoyed critical acclaim in 2020 with the globally successful Alex Rider spy series, a thrilling eight part adaptation of the best-selling coming-of-age novels from Horowitz. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and on IMDb TV in the USA, and has sold in over 100 territories worldwide. Production commenced on a second series of Alex Rider in 2021.

The company's other productions include Safe House (ITV), New Blood (BBC One), Foyles War (ITV) and Collision (ITV).