A FORMER Eastenders star was spotted with camera crews in Southend yesterday as filming for a new documentary got underway. 

Shane Richie was part of the set-up down at St Vincent's Centre, in Short Street, where a new show following the lives of recovering addicts and service users.

Shane is understood to be narrating the programme which is being earmarked for Sky and BBC. 

He was also spotted in other parts of Southend throughout the day. 

Shane, who is best known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders, chatted with volunteers at St Vincent's Centre and posed for photos with them during his visit.

Centre manager Dan Cauchi said members of the public also stopped by to speak to him.

He said: “Shane got involved with the show after seeing our trailer and he knew the director from DT Films.

“It was amazing having him down and filming yesterday.

"He’s such a great guy and lots of people stopped us to talk and see him.

"He said he will be coming back in the future to see us all and check in with those starring in the film.

Echo: Star - The actor with the team Star - The actor with the team

“He’s so down to earth and I think almost all of our guests that we’ve ever helped came back to see Shane.

“We are hoping to have a premier in about three months or so at the Roslin Hotel as I have contacts there.

“It could be shown on Sky and I am hoping it’s aired on BBC too.”

St Vincent's Centre is a community hub supporting vulnerable people by offering food bank services, hot meals, household items and clothing.

The hour-long programme focusing on the work of the centre, which will be called Heart without  Homes, will centre around five people using recovery services and their battle to give up their addiction.

Mr Cauchi added: "Shane was so inspirational as he gave a number of people hope that they can make their way through.

"He also said he’ll be back to congratulate our service users who are very keen for this to happen."

Shane's appearance at the St Vincent's Centre will continue to help raise its profile and comes a week after new Southend mayor, Kevin Robinson, declared it as his nominated charity for the year. 

This means the centre will benefit from fundraisers held by the mayor and other charity events he is involved in.