Hairdresser for the homeless Joshua Coombs on working with Morgan Freeman

The last place you expect to see Oscar-winning Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman is on the streets of Peckham, South London.

But for the uplifting new six-part series of his human-interest show The Story Of Us, The Shawshank Redemption actor headed to the capital to meet hairdresser Joshua Coombs, who gives free haircuts to homeless people.

“A haircut is a way of giving them dignity and raising their self-esteem,” says Josh, 30.

“The biggest misconception about homeless people is that they are not human, and it’s their own choice or fault that they are there. Sometimes people make mistakes but there are circumstances that add up to that.”

In the programme, viewers can see the transformation that Josh’s barbering skills have on a man called Stuart, whose current overnight home is a doorway in Covent Garden.

“If I had a superpower, I’d make people visible,” says Josh.

“You can become so isolated and invisible on the street – if I can help give them a voice, I’d like to do that.”

To inspire others to commit random acts of kindness, Josh started the social media hashtag #DoSomething
ForNothing, which has quickly gathered momentum.

There are even plans afoot for a website, app, book and a podcast. And Josh’s message of compassion isn’t limited to the streets of London.

“I’ve worked with organisations in the US, Mexico, Ecuador, Australia, Greece, France, Germany and Spain,” he says. “I’m just about to head to Canada.”

So what was it like having Morgan Freeman visit the streets of Peckham?

“It was just a normal day,” jokes Josh.

“We filmed round the corner from where I live, and it was great to have him there. He’s so amazing and genuinely invested in the stories he’s telling.”

The Story of us with Morgan Freeman, Sunday, 9pm, Nat Geo

Don’t know what to watch tonight? Get your daily guide to What’s On TV from The Sun Online