A SECOND series of the murder mystery that put Clevedon on the map and kept the nation gripped for weeks is to return to North Somerset.
After months of speculation ITV have confirmed that Broadchurch – starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman – will again be filmed in the area.
Creator and acclaimed screenwriter Chris Chibnall told the Bristol Post: “We’re finally able to talk a little about preparations for the next series of Broadchurch and can confirm we’re coming back to film in North Somerset.
“We’re all thrilled about returning, especially given how supportive the whole community was last time.
“We’ll do our best to minimise disruption to your daily lives – forgive us if you’re occasionally inconvenienced.
“And if you’re able to keep our secrets as well as you did last time, we’ll be ever so grateful.”
The first series of Broadchurch was set in a Dorset coastal town – but many of its exterior scenes were shot in Clevedon, where the former Seeley’s Newsagent in Hill Road was adapted, both inside and out, to turn it into the offices of local newspaper the Broadchurch Echo.
The show had a lasting effect on the town after an outdoor market was set up in the vacant Seeley’s building, inspired by a similar market set built for the show which was so convincing, shoppers visiting the town started trying to buy goods from its stalls.
Other scenes for the show were filmed in the Bristol Post’s offices, which doubled as the newsroom of the national Sunday Herald newspaper as well as part of Broadchurch police station.
It was also confirmed this week that David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan and Arthur Darvill will all return for the second series.
And it was announced that acclaimed actress Charlotte Rampling (below) will play a “pivotal role”.
The details of her character and how she impacts on the drama and small community are being kept under wraps by ITV and the production companies, Kudos and Imaginary Friends.
In keeping with the first series, secrecy and intrigue surrounds the story of the award winning drama, which begins filming in Dorset shortly.
David Tennant will return as Alec Hardy, while Olivia Colman resumes her role as Ellie Miller.
Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan will also return to their roles, alongside Arthur Darvill as local vicar Paul Coates.
ITV’s Director of Drama Steve November said: “We’re delighted Broadchurch is back in production, but we’re remaining tight-lipped about how the story develops.
“Suffice to say Chris has delivered as always and the scripts are just as exciting as the first series.”
Meanwhile, Victoria Fea, ITV’s controller of drama, added: “The reaction to Broadchurch from UK viewers has been incredible.
“So we’d like viewers to enjoy the new series knowing as little as possible about what’s to come and for the story to unfold in real time.”
