6 days ago
The Bolton locations where hit drama Ridley 2 was filmed
Bolton's stunning architecture was showcased to millions as the eagerly anticipated series two of ITV crime drama returned to our screens this evening.
The nation's favourite TV copper, Adrian Dunbar, best known for playing Superintendent Ted Hastings in Line of Duty, reprised his role as retired police officer Alex Ridley, who spent most of his career as a respected detective inspector, eventually retiring from service after losing his wife and daughter in a devastating arson attack on their home.
As in the first series, Bolton locations feature in several episodes, including the one aired this evening.
READ MORE: Full list of Bolton filming locations on ITV detective drama Ridley
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ITV's Ridley continues filming in Bolton Town Centre
In tonight's episode Alex Ridley re-entered the gritty world of crime to lend his expertise as police consultant, with a perplexing case involving a spate of jewellery raids.
The complexity deepened when a crucial witness, on the brink of exposing vital information about the criminal gang responsible, is killed. This tragic turn transforms the investigation into a murder case.
In episode 2, the discovery of a decomposed body in the depths of Hawsley Wood sends shockwaves through the investigative team, as it is identified as a woman who vanished without a trace six years prior.
(Image: MATT SQUIRE)
Retired detective Alex Ridley joins forces with Carol and Goodwin to delve into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the case.
Ridley must enlist the help of disgraced ex-copper Jean Dixon, who oversaw the original investigation.
The murder investigation takes an unforeseen turn when another body is discovered, sending shockwaves through the community.
Filming for Ridley in December 2023 (Image: NQ)
The police station scenes seen in the first episode are filmed in the beautiful buildings of Le Mans Crescent - a favourite location for many TV and film producers.
Crime drama Bancroft, starring Sarah Parish, featured the town hall and its buildings to create the police station, as well did Netflix's hit thriller The Stranger.
In episode 2 filming took place in Belmont, in a barn which is owned by a retired detective. Most of the 'town' locations were filmed in Bolton.
Ridley is written and created by award-winning writer Paul Matthew Thompson, one of the lead writers of ITV's iconic detective drama, Vera, and co-created by Jonathan Fisher (Blood, Hollington Drive, Penance), Managing Director of West Road Pictures. Also this series Julia Gilbert (Midsomer Murders) and Michael Bhim (Vera) have each written an episode.
(Image: MATT SQUIRE)
The original team will all return for the four-part second series, filmed across the North of England; Terence Maynard (Time, Coronation Street) as DCI Paul Goodwin, George Bukhari (Years and Years, The A Word) as DC Darren Lakhan, Georgie Glen (The Crown, Call the Midwife) as pathologist Dr Wendy Newstone. The regular cast also includes Bhavna Limbachia (Citizen Khan, Coronation Street) as Geri and Julie Graham (Shetland, Penance) as Annie.
Ridley can also be streamed on ITVX.
