Sir Patrick Stewart makes surprise Woodstock Bookshop visit

A bookseller says she was "delighted" when Sir Patrick Stewart made a surprise appearance to sign copies of his new book.

The actor dropped into The Woodstock Bookshop in Oxfordshire when he saw copies of his memoir in the window.

Sir Patrick posted a video on X of him surprising Merle Esson when he visited the bookshop earlier.

Ms Esson told the BBC it was "very generous and supportive" of the actor to drop in.

The clip shows Sir Patrick surprise Ms Esson, who then calmly collects some more copies of his autobiography from the back of the shop for him to sign.

This is "super duper", she is heard saying.

Ms Esson, from Charlbury, has worked in the independent bookstore for 13 years.

"I was slightly flappy because I was so delighted to see him but I did remain calm and professional because we do it all the time," she said afterwards.

"He's a gentleman, he is an old-class gentleman, and generous with his time, not lording it around."

Sir Patrick, known for his staring roles in Star Trek, the X-Men films, and his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, released Making It So: A Memoir earlier this month.

Ms Esson said she was a "huge fan" of the actor.

"Every time he's in Oxfordshire he comes in the bookshop and he buys books," she said.

"He's incredibly supportive of the world of literature, and independent bookshops."