VILLAGERS hoping to be extras in the Christmas episode of hit BBC show Cranford could be disappointed after the show’s budget was cut.

The period drama, being filmed in Lacock, will only need half the number of extras because of the cuts.

The filming of the show that will be aired in a two episode special at Christmas was discussed at a meeting between villagers and BBC filming staff last week.

Leader of Lacock Tenants Association, Leo Stevens was at the meeting. He said: “The meeting went well with villagers voting unanimously for the filming to go ahead from Monday June 8 to Saturday June 13.

“Villagers seemed quite happy to have the filming crew returning to Lacock.

“The only issue raised by the crew was that the number of extras that will be used is going to be cut due to reduction in costs.”

“I think that people putting their names forward to be extras should be from the village as we are the ones affected by the filming and so we should be the ones who are involved.”

Casting for extras is expected to be announced in April or May. Jacqui Sheard, who works at Quintessentially English in the village loved her experience as an extra last year.

She said: “I had a fantastic time last year when I was an extra in the market place scene. The crew were wonderful, they looked after all of us really well and Imelda Staunton took the time to talk to everyone.

“I think it is an experience not to miss and I think the BBC have been very good to the village this year in the current economic situation because they could have just taken away extras altogether.

“I do not want to be an extra this year and other people who were extras last year will be able to give other people a turn, which should be a great experience for them.”