HOLLYWOOD has come to Wrexham and it's been strange having the boot on the other foot, writes Richard Williams.
I'm used to firing questions at players, management and anyone else connected with the club during my 18 years reporting on the Reds for the Leader.
But when A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their high profile takeover at The Racecourse on February 9, 2021, it has put us journalists in the spotlight too.
Camera crews were already a regular fixture around the club before the actors were confirmed as owners, and their presence only increased when the duo officially took charge as they set to work on the Welcome to Wrexham documentary.
READ MORE: Welcome to Wrexham: What we learnt from episodes one and two
Being filmed in the media room when the takeover was officially confirmed on that cold Tuesday night - at FC United of Manchester's Broadhurst Park of all places as Wrexham's opponents Altrincham couldn't use their own ground - was just the tip of the iceberg.
The documentary team was always looking to interview people with Wrexham AFC connections and it was my turn to be interrogated rather than to ask the questions!
It was an unusual experience having cameras following me around for a day as I went about my business for the Leader, interviewing Phil Parkinson at the stadium before heading home to type out his quotes.
There was also a two-hour grilling last October as the team asked all things Wrexham, making me realise what it's like to be on the receiving end instead of being the interviewer.
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But that session was worth it as the documentary team announced that I would get a first interview with Reynolds and McElhenney when the duo made their first visit to Wrexham - and they were true to their word.
I have been fortunate enough to interview some of my sporting heroes but it was surreal sitting opposite two mega-stars who also just happened to be the owners of the club I cover for the Leader and support. You have to pinch yourself.
Fifteen minutes with the pair seemed to fly by, but Reynolds and McElhenney were brilliant to speak with and showed me at first hand in that quarter-of-an-hour just how passionate they are about the project at The Racecourse.
It remains to be seen what bits the documentary makers decide to use of me behind the camera, but even if its just a few seconds, I will have at least had a bit-part in the eagerly awaited Welcome to Wrexham which I'm sure will be a big hit all around the world.
I would have scoffed if anyone suggested two years ago that Wrexham would be the subject of a documentary, let alone be seen in it myself.
It's part of matchday having camera crews at football games and it has been par for the course at The Racecourse on an every-day basis since it first emerged that Reynolds and McElhenney were interested in taking control of the club, and wanted to make a documentary.
It has put Wrexham on the map and I might even get a few seconds of fame when the series starts this week, although I must admit part of me will be dreading seeing myself on screen!
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