Surbiton features front and centre in the upcoming Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which opens in the UK on October 24.

The film, starring Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, tells the story of the British rock band’s meteoric rise to fame, leading up to their performance at Live Aid in 1985.

Scenes set inside Freddie Mercury’s famous Kensington home, Garden Lodge, were actually shot in a private location on Ashcombe Avenue in Surbiton, it has been revealed.

The Kensington property, which was once host to wild parties and late night recording sessions, was donated to Freddie Mercury’s partner Mary Austin.

Karen Everett, who manages the film office service for several London councils, said: “As expected, many of the residents the production came across were big fans of the band, and happy that the film was being made in their neighbourhood.

“The production itself did a great job at getting to know residents and making donations to local residents’ groups to thank them.

“A private location on Ashcombe Avenue in Surbiton, Kingston plays the famous Kensington home of Freddie Mercury, Garden Lodge, which he left to Mary Austin.

“Lots of engagement with residents was important here, as filming took place over seven days, with up 100 extras for some of the party scenes.”

The production donated community donations to the Southborough Residents Association in Kingston as a “thank you from the filmmaker”.