Viewers tuning into the hit BBC drama this week may have spotted some familiar sights.

Bolton town centre was showcased to millions as Sarah Lancashire, who plays Sgt Catherine Cawood, was seen in town for episode two of the third and final series.

Several Bolton businesses in the town centre were featured including Amico Café, Scoopalicious, and The Vaults.

Harry: The Interview drew an average TV audience of 4.1 million, based on overnight figures released by ITV.

In comparison, Happy Valley, which started at the same time – 9pm on Sunday – and lasted 60 minutes, had an average audience of 5.3 million TV viewers, according to the overnight figures.

Many took to social media to share their pride for Bolton, but others were less than impressed that Siobhan Finneran who plays Clare Cartwright claimed to be in a Leeds cafe, when she was in Bolton. 

One Facebook user said: “I absolutely love going for a vegan breakfast at Amico Café in Bolton so you can imagine my surprise to see it in tonight’s episode of Happy Valley on BBC1.”

Another said: “Absolutely obsessed with Happy Valley.

The Bolton News: Fans were happy to see a well-known favourite on the showFans were happy to see a well-known favourite on the show (Image: BBC)

“So, you can imagine my excitement when I’m casually watching tonight’s episode and see them in my favourite Bolton café, Amico Café.”

One Twitter user said: “Omg not the Market Place in Bolton starring in Happy Valley.

“Things we love to see.”

Another Twitter user said: “Happy Valley - Claire was lying about Leeds.

“She was bloody well in Bolton.”

The drama has also used Bolton School as the backdrop for some of its scenes previously.

Bolton is a popular location for hit dramas, and is sometimes referred to as the Hollywood of the North. Peaky Blinders was filmed in Bolton.

The Bolton News: Near The Vaults in the Market PlaceNear The Vaults in the Market Place (Image: BBC)

 

Bolton Council's deputy leader Cllr Hilary Fairclough said recently: “We have rolled out the red carpet for Helena Bonham-Carter, Robert Carlisle, Stephen Graham, Sarah Lancashire and many more.

“Bolton has provided a spectacular backdrop for shows as diverse as Coronation Street, Happy Valley and the Full Monty.

“It has also been a great year for our own homegrown talent. The BBC’s Red Rose, which was created by two Bolton writers and starred several local actors, was filmed and had its premiere here in Bolton.

“As a council, we do all we can to support filming in the borough and to showcase the best of Bolton to a primetime audience.

“We look forward to a busy film schedule in the year ahead, and to hosting even more big-name productions in 2023.”

The award-winning drama is set in West Yorkshire in Calder Valley and is also largely shot in the same Valley.

Happy Valley was created by Sally Wainwright and returned for its long-awaited third and final season on New Year’s Day.

Happy Valley airs on BBC One every Sunday at 9pm and on BBC iPlayer after this date.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.