Filming is taking place in Bolton town centre for a hit detective drama – and crews are set to be in town up until Christmas.

Film crews for ITV’s Ridley, a detective drama, have been spotted once again on Le Mans Crescent today, Thursday, as they shoot scenes for season two of the popular show.

The show follows the titular Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, played by Line of Duty and Ashes to Ashes star Adrian Dunbar as he is brought back to the force after an early retirement due to the loss of his wife and daughter in a house fire. 

A worker at the scene confirmed that the filming today is for the new season of Ridley and that crews will be in the area until Christmas.

The mayor of Bolton, Cllr Mohammed Ayub, said: “It is great to see film crews across the town, promoting the town.

@theboltonnews TV crews have been spotted in Bolton 🤩 they are filming scenes for ITV’s Ridley. Read more on our website! #theboltonnews #Ridley #ITV #ITVRidley ♬ snowfall - Øneheart & reidenshi

“There are so many beautiful sceneries including Le Mans Crescent and the town centre including the Town Hall, so it is great to see them featured in TV shows and films.

“The filming will help the economy of the town in the future especially with all the new developments being put up.”

Cllr Nadeem Ayub, cabinet member for culture at the council, said: “Bolton once again welcomes film crews.

"It gives us the opportunity to showcase our heritage buildings at national and international stage.

“Furthermore, it brings in footfall who in turn purchase items from retailers.”

The Bolton News: Film crews in Le Mans CrescentFilm crews in Le Mans Crescent (Image: NQ)Bolton has been dubbed the "Hollywood of the North" on several occasions as film and TV crews flock to the town to showcase the beautiful scenery including Le Mans Crescent, the town hall and other areas including Astley Bridge, Breightmet and Halliwell.

Ridley will follow Adrian Dunbar’s character as he strikes up a working partnership with former colleague Carol Farman (played by Bronagh Waugh), with their bond to be "tested" in series two, according to the series writer.

Dunbar said: "There can be no greater endorsement of hard work and talent than the recommission of a series and, to that end, we have to thank ITV and the British public for taking to Ridley in such numbers.

“We shall certainly work just as hard to keep the standard we have set, and I look forward to developing Ridley as a character over the next four episodes."

Ridley series two will consist of four two-hour films, with Paul Matthew Thompson (Shakespeare & Hathaway), Julia Gilbert (Midsomer Murders) and Michael Bhim (Vera) handling writing duties.

Ridley season one was ITV's fourth biggest drama launch of 2022, with the premiere reaching 7.1m viewers and the series average settling at an impressive 6.3m.

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