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'We can now prove Michael McIntyre filming wasn't AI'

Lauren HirstNorth West
News imageEmily's Steven Gerrard and Michael McIntyre are sitting at a table in Emily's restaurant. There are both looking at a Mac book and there is a bottle of water and two glasses on the table. Emily's
Steven Gerrard and Michael McIntyre were pictured filming at Emily's in November

When Emily's restaurant in Formby on Merseyside posted a video on social media of Michael McIntyre at their restaurant, staff said they could not help but laugh at some of the responses.

"We got a lot of accusations telling us it was AI generators," said Emma Riley, who is head of marketing at the restaurant.

"It was so hard to not be able to say, 'no, this is the reason' but obviously we knew we had to keep it under wraps for a few months.

"I was just counting down the days."

The team at Emily's were sworn to secrecy that they were filming for Fanalysis' Say It To My Face with football legends Steven Gerrard and Duncan Ferguson, surprising some die-hard Liverpool and Everton fans.

Filming took place in November, which meant staff had to remain tight-lipped until the segment was broadcast earlier this month.

News imageEmily's Steven Gerrard and Michael McIntyre are posing for a picture with two staff members at Emily's. They are all smiling at the camera. Emily's
It was a surreal day for staff when the famous faces stopped by

"Steven is actually a bit of a regular in Emily's and it was his management who reached out," she said.

"When they explained the concept of it - that it was over Zoom - we just assumed that Michael McIntyre was going to be on Zoom.

"Then we found out that he was actually going to be coming into Emily's in the flesh.

"It was all really exciting."

News imageEmily's Duncan Ferguson and Michael McIntyre, who are both laughing in the picture, are sitting at a table in Emily's restaurant. There are both looking at a Mac book and there is a three glasses filled with water on the table and a notebook.Emily's
Duncan Ferguson also recorded his segment for Say It To My Face at Emily's

Emma recalled how the comedian was "exactly like he is on the TV," adding he was a fan of the restaurant's chorizo eggs - one of their most popular brunch dishes.

"It was crazy to be honest," she said.

"He just greeted everyone like he was friends with everyone. It was so lovely.

"He was really kind."

Both Gerrard and McIntyre also donated £2,000 to the restaurant's charity wishing well, which is currently raising funds for the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

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