Hundreds gathered to watch the filming unfold
Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch the filming unfold on Lark Lane in Liverpool today
Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch the filming unfold on Lark Lane in Liverpool today
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Lark Lane came to a standstill today as Virgil van Dijk was spotted filming an advert. Rumours have been circulating for several days that the Liverpool captain would be filming an advert on Lark Lane this week.
There were screams and shouts as excited fans tried desperately tried to catch a glimpse of him as he filmed what is likely an advert for Topps, who will make the official sticker album for the Premier League next season.
The football star was first seen at around 3pm, filming down Hesketh Street and later in the Britannia Stores newsagents.
At the height of the excitement, hundreds of spectators gathered to watch the filming unfold, with enthusiastic fans shouting “Yes, Virgil” in support. Film crew members were forced to ask the crowd for silence during takes, and traffic had to be temporarily halted several times to accommodate the shoot. Van Dijk left the street at 5.10 p.m.
Virgil van Dijk filming scenes for an advert on Hesketh Street
Virgil van Dijk filming scenes for an advert on Hesketh Street
Alison Thurston, from Scarborough, said: “We didn’t know he was going to be here. We came down to see my brother who lives here. It’s been a great day. We took our grandson out today to buy the kit. I’ve sent a few photos to my husband - he’s very jealous.
Georgie Baker, 11, from Wavertree, went to see the star with his auntie. She said: "I was so exited when I saw him. My grandad lives here which is how I found out. I was shocked, you don’t expect to see him around here. He’s a boss footballer."
Steve Black, 62, from Garston, said he had no idea Van Dijk would be on Lark Lane. He said: "The wife and I just wanted to come down here for a jolly, so being nosy we just came down and asked the people stopping the traffic what was going on.
Van Dijk is likely filming an advert for Topps, who will make the official sticker album for the Premier League next season
Van Dijk is likely filming an advert for Topps, who will make the official sticker album for the Premier League next season
"I'm the youngest of eight, all Evertonians. But the nephews turned out to be Kopites so they'll all be jealous I've seen him."
There was confusion earlier today as a Van Dijk lookalike was spotted filming on Lark Lane. Moments after a director shouted "action!" a figure emerged from Hesketh Street who looked like the Dutch defender from a distance, with a similar height and hairstyle. On closer inspection however, it was not Van Dijk and instead an actor who the film crew referred to as Gabriel.
During several takes, Gabriel was seen walking out of a side door before inspecting a poster for Topps, a trading card company which has the licence for Premier League stickers this season.
Virgil van Dijk double being filmed today
Virgil van Dijk double being filmed today(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Gabriel, from Pulse Model Agency, was then seen getting into a taxi, where the driver was reading a newspaper. It's understood that the actor is a Van Dijk stand-in double, with the footballer himself to appear in other scenes.
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