Bus passengers did a double take when one of Britain’s best-known telly presenters hopped on board.

Dermot O’Leary and a film crew were spotted in Neilston as they made a journey on the number 3 bus, leaving passers-by rather puzzled.

The Barrhead News can reveal The X Factor and Saturday Breakfast host visited the area last Thursday to film scenes for a new children’s show on CBBC, called ‘VIParents.’ The programme sees Dermot babysit for kids to give their mums and dads a well-earned rest.

His unlikely appearance was captured by a number of residents, who snapped pictures of the broadcaster as he chatted with youngsters at a bus stop in Neilston’s Main Street.

Dermot also hopped off the McGill’s bus to pose for a photo with driver Jim Smith after making a stop in Barrhead.

McGill’s later shared the image online, with the message: “Had an unexpected customer on our service 3 today! Hope you had a nice time travelling with us! Our driver Jim Smith was delighted to be involved in filming for CBBC #BarrheadtoGlasgow.”

A BBC spokeswoman shed some light on Dermot’s visit when contacted by the Barrhead News.

She said: “Dermot was filming a pilot called VIParents for CBBC, with a production company called Hungry Bear Scotland.

“Basically, the idea is that he’s stepping in as a parent for the day, helping to clean out the hamster and taking the son to footie practice and so on, thereby giving the parents a much-needed rest.”