ITV drama Ridley films in Bolton's Le Mans Crescent

For production crews rolled into the town centre today to shoot scenes for the new ITV drama Ridley, starring Adrian Dunbar, of Line of Duty fame.

Film vehicles were spotted outside the former Bolton Magistrates Court ­— the location for many a hit drama.

Crews were scheduled to be on site until 7pm, and will return for a number of days this month and next.

A mailshot has been delivered to local businesses about the filming.

Adrian, is once again cast as a police officer. This time a retired detective, brought back onto the force as a consultant to help solve a series of crimes.

It is written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson, one of the lead writers of ITV’s iconic detective drama, Vera.

During the filming in Le Mans, the crew will be implementing some traffic management so outdoor scenes can be filmed.

The drama in inspired by real life retired detectives re-joining police forces in a consultancy role given increasingly over-stretched resources.

Filming in Le Mans Crescent
Adrian Dunbar said: “I don’t think I’ve ever headed into a production with more excitement and enthusiasm. As an actor I know how rare it is to be given such a wonderful opportunity, and the combination of Polly Hill and Chloe Tucker at ITV and Jonathan Fisher at West Road Pictures means we are in both safe and creative hands.

"Jonathan and I worked closely together on the very successful series Blood, and I'm confident we can bring some of that magic to Ridley. Here’s to getting the team together and developing a show that audiences can find both entertaining and engaging.”

A date for the series to air has yet to be announced.