RIP Victor Meldrew who died outside this pub - you'd better belieeeve it

Bridge Hotel pub sign

The death of Victor, played by actor Richard Wilson, marked the end of the hit BBC show's 10-year run.

More than 10 million people are estimated to have tuned in to BBC One to watch the demise of the UK's favourite fictional grump.

The tributes began arriving on Tuesday morning near a railway bridge in a Hampshire village, where Victor had his final moments.

Some of the floral arrangements are accompanied with fond messages.

Manager of the nearby Bridge Hotel and pub Kathy Airey said locals were bemused by the bouquets.

"At first we thought it was locals but we have seen a car pull up to lay flowers.

Victor's death scene was filmed in a Hampshire village

"I think it's bizarre and a bit sad and I could not believe it when I first saw them.

"Obviously people take things seriously. We are expecting Elvis Presley to turn up at any moment."

Even so, outside the pub a chalk board makes its own reference to Victor's death, playing on his famous catchphrase.

"RIP Victor Meldrew who died outside this pub. You'd better Belieeeve it," it says.

Victor's death was filmed in July last year.

Ms Airey said Wilson had popped into her hotel pub for a couple of pints ahead of the scene.

She added: "He was really nice but he wouldn't say 'I don't believe it when we asked'."

Wilson will next be seen starring in a new ITV sitcom about international banking called High Stakes.