Allo Allo! star Vicki Michelle officially opened a new block of luxury retirement flats.

The actress, who played Yvette Carte-Blanche in the popular BBC TV series, put on her trademark French accent as she cut the ribbon, declaring: "Listan verry carefully, I will say 'zis only once...I would now like to announce that Hollyoak House is now fabulously open."

As the first apartments were snapped up Ms Michelle mixed with potential buyers and shared stories from her time on set in the hit BBC comedy.

She was given a tour of the one and two-bedroom apartments, which are on the site for the former Royal Mail sorting office, off High Road, Loughton.

Ms Michelle, who has lived in the local area for more than 30 years and is a supporter of Age UK, said: "Rene and I would be very happy here - we've already put her names down on the waiting list!"

Ms Michelle has just celebrated the 35th anniversary of the popular TV series 'Allo 'Allo! and is about to start filming on a new film set in the 1950s.