Cotswolds has star quality

The glitz and glamour of Hollywood is set to descend on the tranquil Cotswolds after it emerged today that a celebrity spotting tour of the area is to be launched.

The "Jillywood" tour, named after local author Jilly Cooper, will offer star-struck spotters the chance to view the homes of the many "celebs" who live in the Cotswolds.

The rural setting has attracted stars such Supermodel Kate Moss, actress Kate Winslet, her director husband Sam Mendes, socialite Liz Hurley and comedian Dom Joly to set up home in the area.

The 75-mile coach tour will take in the homes of more than 25 celebrities living in the area which covers parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

It is the idea of pensioner Derrick Swan, 70, who was inspired to start a tour after seeing similar schemes operating in Hollywood.

Mr Swan, from Tirley, Gloucestershire, said: "I got to thinking about the huge amount of celebrities, film stars, musicians and actresses who live in this part of the world.

"I thought it would be a great idea to start something off here in Gloucestershire.

"I did my research and realised there was something like 40 celebrities living around here."

Motoring guru Jeremy Clarkson, TV star Kate Thornton and writer Pam Eyres also live in the area, while bad boy artist Damien Hirst owns an art studio in nearby Stroud.

The tour is also expected to take in the childhood home of Rolling Stone Brian Jones.

Mr Swan added: "It's a bit different to Beverley Hills as it's not as glamorous but the countryside here is certainly a lot nicer.

"The tour is interesting as visitors each get a map of the area and have to guess whose house we are visiting."

He has organised two trips in June with 100 people signed up already. The trips will cost £10 per person and visit 24 locations.

Mr Swan denied the tour could cause problems for stars living in the area.
He said: "I don't think the celebrities will mind, we won't be stopping outside their houses - there will certainly be no rubber necking going on."

But the area has not proved popular with everyone. Novelist Joanna Trollope left the Cotswolds last year after claiming that the traditional rural lifestyle was dying out.

Anne Robinson, presenter of BBC quiz show The Weakest Link, has also sold her Cotswold home, citing similar reasons.