TOWNS in Mid Wales were decked out for Christmas this week as former Doctor Who star David Tennant arrived to film his next blockbuster.

The time-travelling actor has spent this week at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Lake Vyrnwy and Bala to film scenes for his upcoming film, Nativity 2 The Second Coming.


The sequel to the 2009 hit comedy Nativity! is based on a school putting on a Christmas performance in competition with other schools.


Tennant plays a supply teacher leading a group of under-achieving children in the national contest. He also plays his golden-boy brother, who is leading the challenge from a posh private school.


At the production’s base, set up in the grounds of Llanrhaeadr’s recreation centre, American producer Nick Jones explained Mid Wales was chosen as a filming destination on the recommendation of a friend.


He said: “I mentioned to a friend that I was looking for beautiful countryside within easy reach of the Midlands and it was on their suggestion that we drove up here a few months ago and decided it was just what we were looking for.”

For full details and pictures, pick up a copy of this week's County Times, out now.

Nativity 2 is expected to be completed ahead of a release in time for Christmas 2012.