A zoo is to feature in the new series of a hit ITV crime drama.

Drusillas, near Alfriston, was visited by the film crews working on the fourth season of Grace.

Animals including meerkats, monkeys, two of Drusillas’ snakes, Maize and Ravana, and zookeeper Claudia Farley all had their moment in the spotlight, while the zoo underwent a total rebrand.

Hundreds of crew members took over the site and transformed it into a “base camp” for the two-day shoot, with new signage and uniforms created by the art and wardrobe teams.

Zookeeper Claudia and Ravana ready for their scene Zookeeper Claudia and Ravana ready for their scene (Image: Drusillas Park)

Viewers can catch a glimpse of the zoo in the series’ fourth episode, scheduled to air on September 22 on ITV.

Drusillas’ managing director Cassie Poland said: “It was incredibly exciting to be involved in filming and we were honoured to be asked.

READ MORE: Community centre transformed into hospice for Grace

“Many of our team are fans of Grace and there was a real buzz at the park when they were here with everyone trying to sneak a peek at what was happening.”

“The operation was the biggest we’ve ever had here so it took lots of planning and organisation.

Meerkats, monkeys and snakes may appear on the nation's screens in three weeks timeMeerkats, monkeys and snakes may appear on the nation's screens in three weeks time (Image: Drusillas Park)

“Our animal team were heavily involved in the months leading up to the shoot to advise during pre-production on what was possible with the animals involved and present during the shoot to oversee and supervise – and even star in some of the scenes.

“Although hundreds of crew members, huge lorries, and endless equipment arrived and sets were built in several areas, the crew were so seamless, they left within a couple of hours of wrapping without a trace, it was like they were never there.”

The first episode of the new series aired this Sunday, September 1.

Filming for the TV adaptation of Brighton author Peter James’s bestselling 19-book series has taken place all over the city in recent months, for example the former PopWorld club in West Street, was turned into a bomb factory in May.

Cast members including John Simm, who stars as Roy Grace, were then spotted in Kemp Town towards the end of the month, with Sussex Square closed for filming.