'Where would UK drama be without Bolton town centre?'.

Where indeed -  given it forms the backdrop to many a prime time series - and the 'thing you are watching now' was filmed there too.

The question was posed by Nigel Auchterlounie is a British comics artist and cartoonist after Bolton seems to have taken over the airwaves recently with Red Rose on BBC and detective drama Ridley on ITV.

He posted on Twitter: "Where would UK drama be without Bolton Town centre?
Everything from Peaky Blinders, through It's a Sin, to that thing you're watching now was filmed there."

In recent times the borough has welcomed a variety of film crews to its streets and buildings

It is often accompanied by intrigue when a professional film crew comes to town, but Boltonians must be becoming used to the entourages, bright lights and stars walking the streets by now.

Earlier this month, passers-by in Victoria Square might have caught a glimpse of stars of The Full Monty as they filmed the sequel to the 90s classic in the site of the former Specsavers shop.

Spotted were big names such as Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Paul Barber, and Steve Huison.

The Bolton News: Believed to be (L to R) Wim Snape, Steve Huison, Paul Barber, Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy. Pictures: Tracy HalpinBelieved to be (L to R) Wim Snape, Steve Huison, Paul Barber, Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy. Pictures: Tracy Halpin (Image: Newsquest)

Deputy leader of Bolton Council Cllr Hilary Fairclough, whose remit include cultural services, said at the time: "It's a really exciting time for us to have them here.

“We're getting lots now we're almost becoming blasé about it.

"It's really good because it's nostalgic for a lot of people in Bolton."

Hollywood and Bolton are becoming more and more intertwined in this way. Huge star Helena Bonham Carter of Harry Potter and Fight Club fame was eyed on Le Mans Crescent while filming a new ITV drama called Nolly.

The Bolton News: Helena Bonham CarterHelena Bonham Carter

ITV were also in town filming a different new drama by the name of Ridley, and star of the popular BBC series Line of Duty Adrian Dunbar was seen by fans.

He was also filming at the iconic Le Mans Crescent, as well as other locations on the outskirts of Bolton.

Another massive hit, Peaky Blinders, chose Bolton's streets as their backdrop last year, as stars such as Cillian Murphy came to town for three days of filming.

The Bolton News: Cillian Murphy filming in Bolton March 2021. Pictures: Daniel CromptonCillian Murphy filming in Bolton March 2021. Pictures: Daniel Crompton

Boltonians are no doubt familiar with BBC's recent hit horror series Red Rose, filmed primarily, and set, in the town.

Writers, twins Michael and Paul Clarkson, were born in the town, and have previously described Bolton as as much of a character as the people in the show. They have also described their work as a "love letter to Bolton".

The Bolton News: Stepping Through Film match scenes from It's A Sin to their locations in BoltonStepping Through Film match scenes from It's A Sin to their locations in Bolton

Stars from the Channel 4 miniseries It's a Sin, led by Years & Years lead singer Olly Alexander, visited the town which again showcased the beautiful Le Mans Crescent as well as Bolton School.

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