A major Hollywood star has turned up to Andy Burnham’s rally in Ashton-in-Makerfield, the night before the by-election that could cement prime minister Keir Starmer’s fate. Burnham’s biggest competition will be Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, though he also faces losing votes to Restore Britain’s Rebecca Shepherd and two joke candidates – Count Binface of the Count Binface Party and Howling Laud Hope of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.

It looks like Burnham has some big names in his corner, however, as Bridget Jones’ Diary star Hugh Grant turned up at the Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Club. He was dressed in a pair of charcoal slacks and a crisp white shirt, adding sunglasses to his ensemble as he grinned while walking past various Labour banners.

Hugh looked casual with his hands in his pockets – and completely at ease despite the political tension brewing. But he divided fans on social media, with some scoffing that his appearance weakened the view that Burnham is a “man of the people”.

One X user tweeted: “Does Hugh Grant seriously believe he helps Burnham by being there?!? Or is he the most undercover Reform agent ever?!?”

Somebody else posted: “Nothing says working class man of the people like having Hugh grant support your campaign. I'm sure the posh, southern, millionaire with multiple homes, can totally empathise with the very working class northerners. There are thousands of people on the Wigan council housing list.”

Another said: “Hugh Grant! Man of the people turns up in Makerfield.”

Another posted: “So Hugh Grant is for open borders…”

While a different social media user said: “Hugh Grant and Stubshaw Cross Labour Club was not on my bingo card!”

Before appearing at the club, Hugh popped into Wigan pub The Swan and Railway – and even sported some local merch, slipping into a branded T-shirt for the occasion.

Burnham has also had support from Steve Coogan and Peter Reid in recent days.