CLEVEDON traders have expressed their delight at news that a second series of the hit drama Broadchurch will be filmed next year.
More than nine million people watched the final episode of the ITV drama on Monday to discover the identity of the killer of 11-year-old Danny Latimer, who was found strangled on the beach in the fictional Dorset town of Broadchurch.
Since it started in March, the series, starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, has attracted huge audiences and gripped the nation with its storyline centred on the murder investigation.
This success has proved a great bonus for traders in Clevedon who have seen an upturn in visitors thanks to locations including Hill Road, St Andrew’s Church, Alexandra News and houses around Marshalls Field being used as integral locations throughout.
Some scenes for the show were also shot in West Bay, Dorset, and while it has not been confirmed that Clevedon will definitely be used as Broadchurch again, speculation suggests it will.
Jane Brake owns Estuary in Hill Road and is also one of five businesswomen who will set up an indoor market at the former Seeley’s newsagent building in the road. During filming last year, the empty unit was used as the offices for the Broadchurch Echo newspaper.
Jane said: “We are really excited about the fact there is going to be a second series.
“People have been coming into the shop for the first time saying they visited here because of Broadchurch.
“Of course, the Seeley’s building was used as the office for the Echo. We have not been approached by the production company yet but we would be very happy to work with them.”
Angie Smith’s shop in Alexandra Road, called Alexandra News, was used to depict the inside of the newsagent in Broadchurch.
While she is delighted with the show’s success, she has been dismayed with recent national press coverage which has referred to West Bay as the main location. In a bid to get more recognition for the town, Angie has contacted numerous national newspapers as well as TV programmes including GMTV.
She said: “Ninety per cent of the series was filmed in Clevedon.
“I want to get Clevedon on the map and recognised for it.
“By the time the second series starts I am determined to have Clevedon in the limelight.”
To capitalise on the success of Broadchurch, a Dorset tour operator is giving people the chance to be shown the West Bay locations used in the series.
Angie is now hoping something similar can be set up in Clevedon and is currently in contact with North Somerset Council about the idea.
In the meantime, the storyline and characters for the second Broadchurch series are being kept firmly under wraps by all those involved.
Executive producer at the production company, Kudos Film and Television, Jane Featherstone said: “It’s such a privilege for Kudos to be able to work with Chris [writer Chris Chibnall] and ITV to bring the next chapter of Broadchurch to our screens. Although we’re giving nothing away right now, I can tell you it’s going to keep on delivering surprises and scale.”
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