
Bolton has become somewhat of a Hollywood replacement not only in the North West, but the entire country. We’ve reported on several films and TV shows being filmed in the Greater Manchester town, including modern horror Red Rose and renowned drama Happy Valley, and it seemed only right to put together all the entertainment we can look forward to in 2024 that was filmed in Bolton.
The town, known for its industrial history and chimney sweep celebrity Fred Dibnah, is packed with incredible locations hidden in plain sight that are perfect as a backdrop for anything from historical adaptations to modern day New York. So here are all the TV shows to look forward to in 2024 that were filmed in Bolton.
A Gentleman in Moscow
2023 saw Ewan McGregor come to town for the filming of A Gentleman in Moscow, against the grand backdrop of Bolton Town Hall, with snow machines used, and of course only the filming of Peaky Blinders a few years ago attracted more attention by the press.
Based on a 2016 novel by Amor Towles and set at the time of the Russian Revolution, around 100 years ago, A Gentleman in Moscow follows the fictional Count Alexander Rostov after he is spared execution, but sent to the Hotel Metropol on house arrest. Expect drama, quality and whole load of pointing at the telly when you recognise the background; this is surely one of the most anticipated TV shows filmed in Bolton.
📺 Watch it on Paramount + in 2024.
Fool Me Once
The new Harlan Coben Netflix series Fool Me Once, is set to be released on New Year’s Day, marking the eighth on-screen adaptation of the author’s novels, following the success of titles including Safe, Stay Close, and The Stranger. The Netflix thriller employs the familiar Northern presence of Michelle Keegan alongside Richard Armitage, Adeel Akhtar, and Joanna Lumley,
The thriller follows Maya Stern (Michelle Keegan) who is trying to come to terms with the brutal murder of her husband, Joe (Richard Armitage). But when Maya installs a nanny-cam to keep an eye on her young daughter, she is shocked to see a man she recognises in her house. Her husband, who she thought was dead.
Fool Me Once has been filmed entirely in Greater Manchester, we believe, with parts being filmed in Bolton. This continues the theme of creator Harlan Coben using the town as a backdrop, as he has done for several of his hit Netflix thrillers, including The Stranger.
📺 Watch it on Netflix from January 1.
Passenger
Set in the fictional small Northern town of Chadder Vale, former Met Police Detective Riya Ajunwa (Wunmi Mosaku) investigates a series of strange and inexplicable crimes that have the townsfolk spinning on an axis. ITVX’s brand new six-part darkly comic thriller, Passenger, was seen filming in Westhoughton, at the Mercury Hotel on Manchester Road, and has locals in a spin, both in real life and in the fictional world of Chadder Vale.
📺 Stay tuned for release updates.
Ridley
The nation’s favourite detective will be back on screens this year for the second series of the primetime drama Ridley. Filming is currently taking place in Le Mans Crescent, a popular location for film crews due to its Victoria architecture and cobbled streets, playing a part in the likes of It’s A Sin and Peaky Blinders.
Having previously filmed parts of the first series in Le Mans Crescent and outside the former Bolton Magistrates Court, crews headed back to Bolton to film at the back of Cheapside and Mawdsley Street. Ridley stars Line of Duty‘s Adrian Dunbar, a favourite on UK TV screens, andwill return to our screens on ITV.
📺 Stay tuned for release updates.
Toxic Town
Legends Jodie Whittaker and Robert Carlisle were spotted in Bolton over the summer filming new four-part Netflix series Toxic Town, based on the real-life story of the Corby Poisonings, one of the UK’s biggest environmental scandals. Filming was seen in Bolton town centre around Le Mans Crescent once again, alongside Breightmet at The Mosley Arms.
📺 Watch it on Netflix in 2024.