People in Clevedon knew something was happening, however. There were broadcast vehicles parked outside the pier and posters were put up around town saying an episode of Countryfile was to be filmed there.
But as the big day approached, people started getting wind that One Direction – one of the UK’s biggest bands at the time – were going to be there.
Strong told BBC Radio Bristol presenter John Darvall she was initially told “a band” was coming to film.
“I remember saying that whoever this band was, they must be big – someone like One Direction,” she said she had joked to the visiting location manager.
“His reply was: ‘You’re heading in the right direction’.”
“I was the only one allowed to be at the pier – because they needed someone to let them on.”
When the band came, they took over the site and Liam Payne, who died in 2024, endeared himself to Strong.
“My office was turned into a dressing room,” she said.
“Liam [Payne] had his hair cut, food was in abundance. The irony was, come lunch time, they wanted fish and chips.
“I remember Liam being the gentleman – quiet but caring. He was the only one who offered to do a photo.”
She added: “So sad to have lost such a young man.”