Harry Potter and The Crown star Helena Bonham Carter has been spotted in Bolton much to the astonishment of passers-by as filming for a new television drama.

Television crews moved into Le Mans Crescent on Wednesday night to film ITV's new drama, Nolly, a three-part series focusing on the life of iconic soap actress Noele Gordon, best known for her role on seventies series Crossroads and is written by acclaimed Doctor Who and It’s a Sin screenwriter Russell T Davies.

The Bolton News: Film crews move into BoltonFilm crews move into Bolton

Kels Burke spotted the trailers for the stars on set and was shocked to discover the academy award nominee’s name on one.

The Bolton News: Helena Bonham Carter in Bolton. Pictures by Kels Burke.Helena Bonham Carter in Bolton. Pictures by Kels Burke.

He said: “I spotted the filming being set up, so I knew something was going on.

"I saw all the cars lined up and Helena was walking out of her trailer with around 15 other cast members around.

“It’s nice someone as famous as her is in Bolton, she’s quite a big star and it’s good to see Bolton being recognised.”

Bolton was transformed into Birmingham, with vintage cars parked up and buildings being turned into makeshift shops.

The Bolton News: Helena Bonham Carter in Bolton. Pictures by Kels Burke.Helena Bonham Carter in Bolton. Pictures by Kels Burke.

Kels said: “It’s interesting they’re filming here, I was just nearby when I saw the crews.

“I saw them draping something over Sports Direct to make it something else so I thought I’d take some pictures when I saw Helena.”

This is just the latest in filming news from Bolton as the borough has become famous for being used for filming huge dramas like Peaky Blinders, It’s A Sin, Ridley and Get Even.

 Helena Bonham Carter said: “Noele Gordon was a fascinating, complex, brilliant and gutsy woman, none of which I knew before I read Russell T Davies’ script.

The Bolton News: Helena Bonham Carter in Bolton. Pictures by Kels Burke.Helena Bonham Carter in Bolton. Pictures by Kels Burke.

“I’m so thrilled to help tell Nolly’s long overdue and largely forgotten story. Russell’s screenplay is a work of brilliance and I hope I’ll do him and Nolly justice.

“I can’t wait to start.”

Le Mans Crescent is a go to location for filming crews, with Peaky Blinders being filmed in the town.

Noele “Nolly" Gordon was one of the most famous TV stars of her generation before being suddenly axed from Crossroads in 1981.

Nolly will be filmed over the coming months and is expected to air later this year.