The Mayor of London has been advised to brush up on his cinema history after claiming celluloid classics for the capital that were actually filmed in Hertfordshire.

Sadiq Khan, London’s newly elected Mayor, has co-commissioned a study to create London’s largest film studio – the first of its kind in 25 years - in Dagenham.

After visiting Barking and Dagenham to see how the borough is cultivating culture and attracting artists, the mayor claimed some classic films for London that had not been filmed there.

He said: “From James Bond and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Bridget Jones’s Baby, London has a vibrant production history and some of the best studios in the world.”

The eight Harry Potter films were filmed in Leavesden Studios, Leavesden, and the original Star Wars trilogy was shot at Elstree Studios, in Borehamwood – both in Hertfordshire, not London.

Paul Welsh, a writer who has written a book on the history of Elstree Studios, said: “I would just make the point that of the films he cited, none were based in London.

“Elstree Studios and Leavesden are in Hertfordshire and Pinewood is in Bucks.

“Films use London for locations but in fact two London based studios have bitten the dust.

“The historic Teddington Studios has been demolished recently and Fountain Studios, where they shoot such productions as X Factor is closing this year, both making way for housing. Except for Ealing Studios all the other historic studios actually in London have gone. It is true certain adapted facilities such as Three Mills continue.

“I think the Mayor is being somewhat 'liberal' in what he describes as the London film/TV production facilities and needs to remember where the geographical borders actually are for the capital.

“I am sure one of his advisers can brief him.”

Roger Morris, managing director of Elstree Studios, said: "Most international clients consider Elstree as a London Studio and we like the generality.

"Hertfordshire of course is the popular location for filming in general in the UK whether feature or TV drama.

"Aren't we lucky enough in both camps and the benefits of proximity has underpinned our success over the years."

Do you feel Mr Khan has shown his ignorance of film heritage? Comment below or email steven.brown@london.newsquest.co.uk.