Northern Ireland is always a hotbed for filming hugely successful TV shows and stars of the latest BBC crime series have been spotted filming in Co Down.
Stars of new drama Hope Street were spotted filming this week in the graveyard of Millisle Presbyterian Church.
Footage and images appears to show a funeral service taking place in the sunshine with several crew members looking on.
Hope Street was announced by BBC as one of their latest commissions in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen.
The series is set in the fictional town of Port Devine on the Northern Ireland coast and will focus on Port Devine’s police department – and the mysterious arrival of English Detective Constable Alimah Kahn, the first Muslim police officer in the town’s history. The character-led series combines a long-running serial narrative with self-contained crime stories in each episode.
The cast features established and distinguished character actors including Brid Brennan ( Brooklyn ) as Concepta, Des McAleer ( The Crown ) as Barry, Ciaran McMenamin (Primeval) as Finn and Amara Karan (The Night of) as Alimah.
Carla-Maria Lawson, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak, says: “I’m thrilled that we’ll be bringing the beautiful backdrop of Northern Ireland to BBC One Daytime viewers in this exciting new drama, which is coming from such a stellar team.
"I’m sure our audiences will love the intriguing characters who inhabit Hope Street and relish soaking in their surroundings.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Screen says: “We are delighted to welcome Paul home to Northern Ireland to make Hope Street. For many years Northern Ireland Screen has been keen to develop a returning drama series which could create invaluable skills development opportunities for local writers, directors and crew.
"Hope Street will act as a crucial training ground for those behind the camera as well as providing an excellent opportunity for our homegrown acting talent. We have high hopes for Hope Street.”
Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, says: “Audiences are really going to fall in love with Hope Street’s gripping storylines and cast of colourful characters. It’s great to see a new drama go into production in Northern Ireland that will showcase the humour and warmth of the people here as well its beautiful locations. Paul and Donna have created a wonderfully witty drama and we look forward to bringing it to audiences next year.”
Series one will air on BBC Daytime and BBC One Northern Ireland in 2022, and will exclusively premiere on BritBox in North America.
