Cambridgeshire

Colin Firth in contemplative mood ahead of filming scenes in Ely

Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Derek Jacobi have been filming scenes for a forthcoming movie, The King's Speech, at Ely Cathedral.

Due for release in 2010, the film follows the reign of George VI who assumed the throne following the abdication of King Edward.

Ely Cathedral is a favourite location for filming historical dramas.

It has featured in Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The Other Boleyn Girl, starring Scarlett Johansson.

Geoffrey Rush shelters from the rain on the set of The King's Speech

As the cream of the British and Hollywood acting fraternity descended on Ely, the star-spotters came out in force, together with the paparazzi.

Colin Firth, who takes the lead role of King George, was spotted arriving on set in a black Range Rover, on a very wet and windy December day.

Also filming at the cathedral were Derek Jacobi and the legendary Geoffrey Rush - best known for playing Captain Hector Barbossa in the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.

Derek Jacobi as the Archbishop of Caterbury, Dr Cosmo Lang

Rush plays the part of Lionel Logue, the unorthodox speech therapist who helped King George ('Bertie') to overcome his stammer and so lead his country through the war years.

The King's Speech features a star-studded cast, with Helena Bonham Carter playing Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Guy Pearce as Edward VIII, Michael Gambon as King George V, Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill and Jennifer Ehle as Myrtle Logue.

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