I’m sure that Guy should be in China... Staff shocked to see star in their hotel after watching him on TV night before

Staff at a Mearns business were shocked to get a visit from celebrity Guy Martin – the morning after seeing him in China.

The sports and TV personality is travelling up the north-east of Scotland on a cycling tour around the UK.

Guy, 35, best known as the face of Channel 4 programme Speed with Guy Martin, visited a Mearns hotel on his way to hopefully lapping the island in 22 days, starting in his home town Grimsby.

He is currently on TV in the three-part network programme Our Guy in China, which followed the petrol-head around the country and showed his attempt at the fastest cycle crossing of the vast Taklaman Desert, the “desert of death”.

And he surprised staff at the Anchor Hotel in Johnshaven by popping in for breakfast with his TV crew before heading north.

The restaurant, bar and hotel is wellknown for its hospitality and owners Gary and Jan Thompson have laid on spreads for Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle, and former Rangers FC coach and striker Ally McCoist in their seven years at the Anchor’s helm.

Mr Thompson wished him all the best on his latest adventure.

“It was a surprise because he was in China last night,” he said.

“I knew it was him because I’d just seen him on TV the night before, in the desert.

“I’m a keen cyclist myself so it was nice to see him – he was a lovely guy. They didn’t give us a lot of information but they’re doing a cycle around Britain, and he’s on the way up. “He’s the only cyclist.” Martin first raced motorcycles in 1998 and has earned 15 podium finishes.

Last year he broke his back in the Ulster Grand Prix, the second time in five years after a similar accident at the 2010 TT. He also competes in mountain bike races.

Martin starred in Closer to the Edge, a behind the scenes documentary on TT racing.

He has since presented programmes on his various engineering interests.

In his Speed programme, he has set records in a variety of human and engine powered vehicles. He has also authored three books.

Anchor Hotel owner Gary Thompson poses with Guy after the presenter popped in for breakfast during the Scottish leg of his cycling tour of the UK.