Chilwell in Nottinghamshire received a touch of Hollywood glamour yesterday after actress Kate Beckinsale landed to pay her respects to her late father, English comic actor Richard Beckinsale. There must be an acting 'gene' in the Beckinsale family with Kate's mother, Judy Loe, an actress as well as her sister, Samantha, who has starred in ITV's London's Burning. The Porridge actor's family were joined by fellow stars Michael Sheen and David Walliams in a plaque-unveiling celebration at Beckinsale's family College House Junior School in Chilwell.

Kate Beckinsale
Kate Beckinsale Broke Down With Emotion Upon Unveiling Her Father's Plaque.

College House headmaster Mark North spoke of the school's pride for its ex-pupil and the benefit of the plaque: "It's a real honour for the school to be a part of this special occasion, dedicated to the memory of Richard Beckinsale. It was a once in a lifetime experience for us all. We are honoured to have hosted such distinguished guests.We place a high priority on the performing arts in school, and hope that pupils will continue to be inspired by Richard's career for many years to come."

Kate Beckinsale
Kate Beckinsale Has Build A Shining Career From Her Father's Example.

Kate broke down in tears as she had the privilege of unveiling the shining, circular blue plaque detailing her father's achievements. Speaking at the scene through her sobs she spoke of her father's lasting impact: "There has been a huge amount of comfort for me over the years to be able to get in a taxi and sign a receipt and someone say, 'Your dad's not Richard Beckinsale, is he? It was a terrible shame' and we have a little cry." A successful Hollywood actress in her own right, Kate has starred in the Underworld series of dark vampire movies but the Oxford-educated 39 year-old was born in London. Her father, who most notably starred in comedies Rising Damp and Porridge passed away aged 31 unexpectedly after a massive heart attack.

david Walliams
Comedian David Walliams Paid His Tributes To Influential Actor.

Other notable actors to have shared in the prestige of having a commemorated plaque include Richard Burton, Robert Donat , Boris Karloff, Charlie Chaplin, Terry Scott, Dame Celia Johnson, Henry Irving and Peter Sellers, and many more great British names in the entertainment industry.

Watch A Clip Of Richard Beckinsale In A Porridge Episode: