A 50-year-old American performer who gained prominence portraying Mitchell Pritchett in the long-running sitcom Modern Family was observed visiting a bakery establishment in Oxford this week.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson was photographed at the Gail’s location situated on Little Clarendon Street in the Jericho district on Thursday afternoon.

The actor, who portrayed the lawyer Mitchell Pritchett throughout the programme’s 11-series run between 2009 and 2020, appeared at the venue during what appeared to be an informal outing.

The cast of Modern Family also included Ed O’Neill, Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, and Eric Stonestreet, who played Ferguson’s on-screen spouse Cameron Tucker.

One resident who frequents the bakery expressed surprise at encountering the American television personality during an ordinary errand.

According to the individual, who requested that her name be withheld from publication, the encounter occurred during an unplanned visit for coffee.

The fan described Ferguson as well-presented and in good spirits, noting his apparent appreciation for the favourable weather conditions experienced by the city that day.

Ferguson and his spouse had previously visited the county last September, staying at the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons establishment located in the village of Great Milton near Oxford.

During that visit, the actor publicly acknowledged the hospitality received at the venue, describing the property as potentially the most aesthetically pleasing location he had ever experienced.

The Gail’s branch in Jericho has accumulated a history of notable visits over recent years.

Patrons of the establishment reported encountering Harry Potter actress Emma Watson at the same location during the summer period two years prior.