07 January 2023 , 17:37
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Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds ’ hit series about Wrexham FC has raked in almost £4million.
Telly insiders claim makers Disney have netted £430,000 profit per episode since it launched on the streaming channel last year.
Local businesses have also been praising the impact the show has had.
Welcome To Wrexham follows Deadpool star Ryan, 46, and actor pal Rob McElhenney as they take over the struggling North Wales club in 2021 in a bid to transform it.
The series has been a global hit, particularly among fans in the US who have been visiting the Turf Hotel pub in their thousands.
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One source told how a fan last week landed in Heathrow and got a taxi almost 200 miles to visit the pub and the National League club.
Ryan Reynolds' documentary has been a global hit (Instagram)
King Charles III talking with Ryan Reynolds during a visit to Wrexham Association Football Club last month (Getty Images)Wayne Jones, 40, who runs the Turf Hotel, with wife Shelley, 39, said: “The impact of the show has been absolutely huge for the whole town.
“Wrexham is absolutely thriving. It has had a huge impact on dozens of local businesses.
“Results on the pitch are helping because it is bringing in lots more people, spending money.
“Everyone seems to be buying in to it, thanks to Ryan and Rob.”
Wayne and Ryan behind the barWayne said the pub gets an average of 20 to 30 overseas tourists every day, adding: “We had around 50 to 60 Australians in the pub this week. We’ve had over 1,000 Americans in the last eight weeks.
“They have all been lovely, buying drinks and spending money in the town and staying in hotels.”
Wayne has forged a friendship with Ryan and Rob – with Rob, 45, even sending him a case of whisky.
He told: “Rob and Ryan are really humble and blown away by how much the community adores them.
Wayne with his wife Shelley“They feel a responsibility towards getting it right for the community.
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“They are really caring. At Christmas we raised £5,000 for the local food bank and Rob doubled that.
“Ryan has been to the pub two or three times and Rob three or four times.
“Rob sent me a case of his whisky from Philadelphia in the post.”
Fans ahead of a match in Wrexham in November (PA)Dad-of-three Ryan – married to actress Blake Lively, 35 – and Rob bought the club for £2million.
Their investment has boosted the team’s results and club facilities, and the club signed a shirt sponsorship deal with TikTok.
Last month Ryan and Rob were given the Freedom of the City.
After the success of the nine-episode first series, a second series is being made.