A WANSTEAD church shot to national fame this weekend when it starred alongside a Hollywood actor in a new TV series.

Millions tuned in to watch Tom Hardy star in the first episode of a new drama about the East India Company called Taboo on BBC One on Saturday evening (January 7).

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

But viewers in Wanstead were equally as excited about catching a glimpse of St Mary’s Church, after scenes were shot there in February last year.

The 39-year-old Mad Max star plays a lone rebel called James Keziah Delaney, who returns to London in 1814 after being presumed dead in a shipwreck.

And to Wanstead fans’ delight, the Hollywood heartthrob’s visit to the church in Overton Drive appeared in the very first episode.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Archdeacon of West Ham Elwin Cockett said he was very pleased the Grade I-listed church featured so prominently.

He said: "The East India Company was closely involved in the early years of St Mary's, and it was great to see the church portrayed as it would have looked during the period in which the drama is set.

"St Mary's is an architectural gem of great historical significance as well as a living church where worship takes place every week of the year.

"Fans of this drama who come to visit will not be disappointed."

Some viewers were less happy with the series’ debut, claiming sound and light quality was poor.

Episode Two of Taboo will air next Saturday (January 14) on BBC One.