October 12, 2000: Olympic hero Steve Redgrave was the most famous celebrity in England this week after chatting on Parkinson, getting a standing ovation at the Royal Albert Hall and appearing at Wembley.

But the superstar still found time to go to the unveiling of a new sign in his home village.

The Redgrave family looked just like any other on Sunday at the ceremony for the new Marlow Bottom sign.

Mike Williams, a committee member for the residents' association responsible for the sign, said the valley was blocked as hundreds of people attended.

"The turn-out was largely due to the fact that Steve was there. It was very interesting to see him as a member of the observing public," said Mike.

The five-times gold medal winner has had a hectic last week in the media spotlight.

He chatted on Radio 5, was quizzed by Michael Parkinson on TV, appeared at the England v Germany game on Saturday, and received a standing ovation at the Television Awards at the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday.

But on Sunday, the 38-year-old rower still made time to stop and sign autographs for villagers in Marlow Bottom.

Mike said: "Everybody there felt very proud - proud of Steve and proud of the sign. When Steve was introduced by the vicar before the blessing there was a huge round of applause."