The actor, who plays Captain Jack Harkness in BBC's Dr Who and Torchwood hit shows, leapt into action to help stricken Downhill neighbours Brenda McDade and Ann Carden.

Brenda's granddaughter Leigh Enguita spoke about the rescue after submitting a photo for the Echo's new Star Snaps feature, in which readers send in their pics of themselves with celebrities.

Brenda and Ann were stranded on the streets of London after Ann's handbag – which contained her purse and heart medication – was stolen.

They were struggling to get a taxi to a late night chemist for an emergency prescription when a silver BMW pulled up, driven by John Barrowman, who they had just watched on stage in the show Anything Goes.

Leigh, 34, of Shiney Row, said: "I think he spotted them and realised they were a little upset and anxious."

"After nana and Ann told him their plight he immediately took them to the chemist, where Ann managed to get her medication and then waited and took them on to their hotel.

"He escorted them into reception and then found they still had no rooms ready except for smoking which they didn't want.

"After intervening and pretending my nana was his 'Aunty Brenda,' he complained to the manager and a room was suddenly found for them, as was some free room service.

"The next day when they checked out they discovered their bill had been settled in full. What a guy."

Brenda, 75, had her photo taken with her knight in shining armour on a family trip to see him in Chicago at the London's Adelphi Theatre, after sending flowers to his dressing room as a thank-you for the good deed.

"My nana put our seat numbers on the card which she signed from 'Aunty Brenda'," said Leigh.

"At the end of the show an usher came and took us backstage to his dressing room where we spent about 15 minutes chatting.

"We said our goodbyes and our moment with the rich and famous was over."