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Hollywood star Jeremy Irons marked his birthday with a meal out in North Wales last night - to the surprise of other diners.

The actor - famous for roles in Brideshead Revisted, Die Hard with a Vengeance and The Lion King - enjoyed dinner at The Slate restaurant and hotel at Tal-y-bont, near Bangor.

Diners spotted the star - most recently in TV series Borgias - with a group of friends and colleagues from US production company HBO on the date of his 70th birthday.

It is understood the British actor is filming locally in a HBO show.

Paul Gregson, from Llanfairfechan, was stunned to see Mr Irons when he popped into the restaurant and bar for a drink with his wife after walking their dog.

Could this be what Hollywood production company HBO are filming at a castle in North Wales right now?

The 51-year-old said: "I first heard American accents which attracted my attention and when I looked over I knew the face was familiar.

"I recognised him but in the context and setting it was bizarre to see him there, he is such an icon.

"He was sat with a group of maybe five or six people and just enjoying a quiet meal.

"We were trying to be subtle and not look over too much but quietly saying to each other 'oh my God, it's Jeremy Irons'.

"He was not hidden away in the corner and he would go to the bar, he was very dignified and every bit the famous actor.

(Image: publicity picture)

"Everyone was playing it super-cool and no one was bothering him which was really good.

"We left after an hour, we didn't go over as it just didn't feel appropriate. It was nice that he could go out and enjoy a meal and not be bothered by anyone."