A Hollywood start and football club owner has revealed the reason for his visit to the Isle of Man on Thursday.

Ryan Reynolds, who plays the titular character Deadpool in the Marvel series of films as well as being part-owner of the Welsh football team Wrexham AFC, took pictures with locals who spotted him on Douglas Promenade on Thursday morning.

The Canadian later revealed on an Instagram post that he had visited the island to meet ‘one of the world’s greatest watchmakers’, Sulby-based Roger Smith.

The post read: ‘The Isle of Man is one of the best-kept secrets. I must’ve walked half the island this morning.

‘What a gorgeous place to live. Nicest people, a dose of perfect weather and home to one of the world’s greatest watchmakers, Mr Roger Smith. Truly an honour to meet him.’

The post also included photos of Reynolds with the Tower of Refuge in the background, scenic pictures of Douglas Beach, a close-up picture of the Gaiety Theatre and Reynolds and Smith together in his workshop.

In reference to the picture of him at the Gaiety Theatre, Reynolds added: ‘I believe it was Violet, the Dowager Countess who said, “Oh, dear, such a glare. I feel as if I were on stage at The Gaiety.” Damn straight, Countess.’

His visit was acknowledged by government tourism agency Visit Isle of Man, who commented: ‘When Ryan Reynolds came to the Isle of Man, he didn’t just come for island time - he came to see how it’s made.

‘Because extraordinary things happen here in the Isle of Man. From watches made by hand and landscapes shaped by nature to stories you’ll be telling long after you leave. The Extraordinary Isle - time well spent.’

Locals spotted Reynolds walking along Douglas Promenade on Thursday morning, with many asking for photos and stopping to chat to the Deadpool star.

Island resident Vinus Arevalo watched Reynolds walk past and was then asked by Reynolds if he would like to get a picture with him.

Vinus said: ‘It was amazing - from watching him on TV and being a fan of Deadpool, I think this is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!

‘He stopped and asked me if I wanted to take a picture with him, and I just ran and asked him again if it’s really okay and he said of course.

‘I think it was really nice of him to do that and offer me a photo with him. I said it was lovely to see him here on our island and he said he is happy to be here.

‘To be honest with you, I wanted to have more conversation with him and hear some of his humour, but I didn’t want to disturb his morning as I want him to go home with an experience of being in a place where there are not a lot of people following him around.’