Bolton is the new 'Hollywood' in throwback ITV highlight

In April, presenter Josie Gibson was given a "star-studded tour" of Bolton by the council, where she was shown around the town.

On the tour, Josie pedalled through Le Mans Crescent and learnt about the filming history there such as the famous show, The Peaky Blinders, Ridley, and Coronation Street.

The year end show saw This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phil Schofield look back on the biggest stories including Bolton dubbed the new "Hollywood".

A council spokesman said at the time: "The ITV morning show aired a segment showing all the famous filming locations in Bolton town centre.

"Our town has been used in popular TV shows from Peaky Blinders to It’s a Sin, and all the amazing TV in between.

"We gave This Morning presenter Josie Gibson a tour of our famous filming spaces in Bolton to show why some people are calling us the ‘Hollywood of the North’."

Ashif Ashik, an actor and stuntman from Bolton was interviewed by Josie Gibson for the segment "Bolton, the new Hollywood".

Ashik said: “I would love to meet and work with the stars but I'm Bolton born and bred so I’ll stay where the action is."

Actor Ashik has been filming for shows like No Return, The Rising, Red Rose and Traces to name a few.

His recent work includes alien drama on DAVE We Are Not Alone, currently still airing.

Another eye-catching TV moment took place at Bolton Town Hall where superstar actor Sylvester Stallone ran up the steps for Warburtons, paying homage to his classic Rocky character's famous scene.

Stallone recreated the scene wearing a black military beret, shocking bystanders who had no idea he was going to film there.

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Viewers were introduced to Crompton Place, where Cobra and No Return were filmed and while the cameras were rolling, ITV’s Ridley was on set at Le Mans Crescent.

The show then took viewers to the Royal Balti House, famous from Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, where Paddy McGuinness and Ainsley Harriott are among stars that have eaten there.

You can catch the new year’s highlights episode on ITVX Hub.