A TELEVISION star has come up with a “cunning plan” to save the former EMD cinema by backing the McGuffin Film Society's campaign.

Actor and presenter Tony Robinson, who played hapless servant Baldrick in the BBC1 Blackadder comedy series and more recently presented documentary programmes for Channel 4, has pledged his support for the campaign against the redevelopment of the Grade II listed building from a cinema into a church venue by owners, United Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG).

The former Leytonstone resident was a regular visitor as a youngster to the Art Deco building in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, which was formerly both a music hall and cinema.

He said he was mortified to hear about the latest “threat” to the venue.

He said: "The cinema is an exotic masterpiece. It's where my teenage eyes were opened to the great jazz and rock 'n’ roll artists of the 1960s and where I saw a host of great movies.

“At this exciting time in our history when east London is about to be revitalised, it would be crazy to turn our backs on such a magnificent venue.

“If not for our sakes, then for the sake of the next generation of film and music lovers, let's ensure it is given the opportunity to reclaim its place as the hub of Walthamstow's high-class entertainment.”

Other high profile supporters have come forward to back the McGuffin Film Society, which is holding a demonstration in support of saving the cinema on Saturday.

Former Walthamstow resident and award-winning actress and screenwriter Meera Syal MBE, star of Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42, said she spent “many happy hours in this stunningly beautiful building” over the years.

“The Walthamstow cinema has a rare touch of glamour and it would be an absolute tragedy if the film lovers of east London were to be permanently deprived of this beautiful jewel of a cinema,” she said.

Veteran politician, broadcaster and historian Tony Benn has also sent a message to the McGuffins to confirm his opposition to the current plan.

McGuffin spokesman Bill Hodgson said: "The EMD Cinema is this borough's greatest cultural asset and we are delighted but not surprised by this outpouring of high profile support. We just hope our council is prepared to listen before it is too late.”

The UCKG's exhibition of its plans for the building will be held at St Gabriel's Church and Family Centre, Havant Road, Walthamstow on Thursday, April 16, between 5.30pm and 8pm and on Friday, April 17, between 4pm and 8pm.

A demonstration in support of saving the cinema will be held outside the EMD on Saturday, April 18, at 8pm followed by an evening of free films at the Victoria Bar next door. For further details visit mcguffin.info