A Bexley man and former X Factor contestant has written and shot a new sitcom pilot, set in his local pub, and starring a host of television and pop stars.

James Lewis, a car dealer from Brook Vale in Erith, came up with the concept for The Pub when drinking in the Royal Oak in Bexley Road with friends.

The 36-year-old, who got to boot camp on the X Factor in 2012, went away and wrote a pilot episode, and last Friday (November 7) his idea became a reality when he filmed it in the very same pub.

This Is Local London:

Stavros Flatley, one of the cast members of James Lewis' sitcom

Mr Lewis enlisted the help of celebrity friends who starred in the 30-minute episode, which takes the form of a fly-on-the-wall documentary.

These included Britain's Got Talent's Stavros Flatley; Angie Brown, singer of 90s hit I'm Gonna Get You with Bizarre Inc and contestant on this year's The Voice; John Lashley, a Mr T look-a-like in the Chippendoubles from Britain's Got Talent; and rapper Cream, star of BBC3 sitcom Boom Town.

This Is Local London:

Mr T look-a-like John Lashley, who made is name on Britain's Got Talent

Mr Lewis told News Shopper: "I was in my local around six months ago, having a laugh with my friends, and we were like 'can you imagine making this into a sitcom?'

"I thought this idea would be good because I'd never seen any sitcoms set in a pub before, about a pub, about local people, with all the scenarios and all the characters you get in a local.

"I went away and wrote the episode with my friend Stuart Budd, and then we did the filming on Friday.

"It was a really great day filming, everyone did fantastically well. I couldn't have wished for more from such a great team.

"The pub's locals were superb - they were also involved in filming, the pub stayed open throughout the day."

This Is Local London:

Stavros Flatley and rapper Cream, star of BBC Three sitcom Boom Town

Mr Lewis now intends to sell the pilot to a major television channel, with the hope of being commissioned to write and shoot a full series.

He added: "Pubs are closing up and down the country and I thought it would also be a good way to spread awareness about a great British institution.

"I think pubs need help, and people need to help their local pubs by supporting them."

This Is Local London:

Angie Brown, who sang 90s hit I'm Gonna Get You and recently appeared on The Voice