Hollywood star Emily Blunt lived in fear of an Italian stalker when she started filming Wild Mountain Thyme in Co Mayo last year.
Prior to Blunt’s arrival in Ireland, Gardaí in Ballina was told by film producers about the obsessed fan, fearing he would travel to Ireland.
A security source confirmed that Gardaí had issued a national alert to all ports and airports regarding the Italian national following an assessment.
He is known to have attempted to contact Ms. Blunt on several occasions and has, in the past, been to where she was filming.
The notice included a photo and background information about the man, who a source described as “fixed” with the actress.
The notice assured that if the man entered Ireland, gardaí would be informed.
However, he never attempted to travel and Blunt said he felt very happy and safe with his family during filming, where they stayed at a lodge on the Mount Falcon Estate.
A security source said Gardaí was consulted by the film production management before the actress arrived in Ireland.
“Gardaí ensured that all measures were put in place to ensure his safety and that of his family,” said the source.
“Hotel staff have also been made aware of the situation in case they attempt to check in at the hotel or gain access to the grounds.
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“In terms of safety and security it was (Mount Falcon) really a great place, because even though it is a few minutes from the city
(Ballina), it has a long avenue and very open grounds.
“Every person who walks or drives there will be seen,” they added.
Gardaí checked in with Ms. Blunt and the film producers regularly during her stay, and she said she felt safe and happy.
A source said the gardaí were powerless to prevent the man from reaching Ireland.
“There is very little you can do to prevent someone from arriving on a flight.
“Which must be very frustrating for the people in her position (Ms. Blunt).
“We could certainly ask him why he was here, but beyond that, if no crime has been committed, he cannot be detained or returned,” they explained.
Ms Blunt arrived in Mayo in September 2019 and stayed there for 12 weeks.
Initially, due to fears for her safety, Ms. Blunt rarely ventured outside the vast grounds of the Mount Falcon Estate.
However, after a few weeks she began to socialize at Ballina and was photographed several times.
The actress was generous with her time and has been described as “very kind” by locals who met her during her stay.
During a break from filming, Ms. Blunt visited the rehearsal of the Kilmoremoy Kids Drama Group.
The Western people reported that the youth group were going through the final scenes of their play In the woods, when Mrs. Blunt walked through the door, leaving the children stunned.
“She was very good and very kind. She was talking to all the kids and took pictures with them and asked to see another scene from the show, ”said Jack Cronin, the group’s director.
“She spent about half an hour with us in total,” he added.
