Former ‘Cambrian News’ reporter Ian Spindley has been spotted on TV, helping Brian Conley and his daughter Lucy on Channel 4’s ‘Celebrity Hunted’.

Ian, 61, a handyman and author’s agent from Criccieth, was walking along Porthmadog High Street last summer when he noticed two people talking to tourists.

“I overheard them say they were on the run from authorities and needed help,” Ian recalls.

“Then I saw a TV crew filming them.

“I used to make TV and radio documentaries for BBC Wales, am naturally nosey, and recognised the male celebrity, so I decided to intervene.”

The male celebrity was comedian and actor Brian Conley, who introduced Ian to his actress daughter Lucy.

“He said they'd just arrived in Porthmadog and needed to lie low overnight until extraction the following afternoon at Black Rock Sands.

“I told him my background, that I knew people and places intimately, and would be happy to help them evade capture. They looked at each other, said they'd trust me, and asked what I had in mind.

“I said could help find them accommodation, transport them and their camera person in my car, and deliver them to extraction point the next morning - between my handyman jobs!

“The nearest hotel, where I used to be receptionist and marketing officer, was full, but I know the sister property in Criccieth has more rooms and is between my house and Black Rock Sands, so I brought them all to Criccieth in my car and they checked into the hotel.

“Discussing logistics on camera, Brian and Lucy looked at me strangely. Brian said how similar I looked to him and, if needs be, would I consider being a decoy? I agreed, if it became necessary.

“Next morning I collected them. We finalised logistics for separate drop-offs at either end of Black Rock Sands, and they thanked me profusely for all I was doing, wondering how I seemed so calm and collected on camera.

“I dropped Lucy off first at one end and Brian at Port Golf Club end. The idea was that they hide in sand dunes or mix with beach tourists until the aircraft appeared and then they broke cover to dash onboard.

“I went and did a day's work mixing concrete nearby until I saw an aircraft circling.

“I drove to the cordoned-off beach and explained my involvement to one of the production crew. He told me one couple and one individual had succeeded with the extraction, so it was highly likely I would feature in the final episode.”

Ian’s episode aired on Tuesday, 25 August.

“I was in a five second clip saying I’d lived here 20-odd years and could help get them to the extraction point,” Ian laughed.

“Having worked in TV and radio I know hours of recording can be slashed, but it put Porthmadog on the map!

“It was really exciting to get involved!

“The only slight downside, is Brian repeatedly promised me a few showbiz treats in return for my help. I'm still waiting. His London agent has my details!”

Watch ‘Celebrity Hunted’ on All 4.