TV star The Stig made an impromptu pit stop in Warlingham last week. The Top Gear stunt driver, whose real identity remains a secret, pulled-in to India Dining restaurant at The Green.

Dressed in his trademark racing suit and matching helmet, other diners sat speechless as he tried – "very unsuccessfully" - to push a selection of Indian dishes through his visor.

The Stig sat alone and in silence for almost 45 minutes during his visit on last Saturday, 11th February, but fellow diners said he did manage a "grumble" when he was presented with the bill.

Restaurant owner Asad Khan said The Stig was in the region to launch the new BMW 3 Series and had stopped-by for lunch.

He said: "We were delighted to have The Stig dine with us. The Stig is an absolute legend and it was surreal seeing him – complete with racing suit and helmet – eating a naan bread and curry."

Tony Lewis, from BMW Croydon, confirmed that The Stig was visiting the region to promote the dealership and the manufacturer's new 3 Series.

Tony said: "What more could we have asked for? The Stig is the best test driver we could have hoped for, and we're glad that he was able to visit BMW Croydon and India Dining."

The Stig - – known for his inability to talk – was unable to comment.