Adrian Dunbar detective series Ridley starts filming across Northern England

ITV detective drama, Ridley, starring Adrian Dunbar in the title role, has begun filming in Lancashire and across Northern England. 

The retired detective, who is now working in a consultancy role, resumes his partnership with his former protégée, DI Carol Farman, played by Bronagh Waugh (Unforgotten, The Fall), who is now in charge of investigations. 

Ridley is written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson, one of the lead writers of ITV’s detective drama, Vera.

The Ridley cast also includes Terence Maynard (Time, Coronation Street) as DCI Paul Goodwin, George Bukhari (Years and Years, The A Word) as DC Darren Lakhan, and Georgie Glen (The Crown, Call the Midwife) as pathologist Dr Wendy Newstone. 

The regular cast also includes Bhavna Limbachia (Citizen Khan, Coronation Street), Aidan McArdle (The Trial of Christine Keeler, The Fall) and Julie Graham (Shetland, Penance). 

“Ridley has begun shooting and we really couldn’t be off to a better start,” said Adrian Dunbar. 

“Despite the wintry weather, everything from cast and crew right down to the catering is excellent. 

“Bronagh Waugh has stepped into her character’s shoes seamlessly and we have been joined by some great actors with more to come.”

The series will introduce us to charismatic Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, who is retiring from the police after years of dedicated service. 

Ridley’s replacement is DI Carol Farman (Waugh), his former protégée whom Ridley mentored for many years. 

When he’s enlisted by Carol as a police consultant on a complex and compelling murder case, the investigation takes a dark and unexpected turn. 

Turning to her old mentor for support, Carol is keen to access Ridley’s unique insight into crime-solving which has served them so well in the past. 

With more intriguing cases to solve, Ridley will revive his formidable and successful partnership with Carol. 

Inspired by real life retired detectives re-joining police forces in a consultancy role given increasingly over-stretched resources, Ridley will explore thought provoking crime stories in an original and distinctive way.

Each of the four x two hour films will be produced by West Road Pictures with Paul Matthew Thompson writing episodes one, two and four and Julia Gilbert (Agatha Raisin, Midsomer Murders) writing episode three. 

Juliet Charlesworth (Stay Close, Happy Valley, Scott & Bailey) is the producer, and the directors are Bryn Higgins, Noreen Kershaw and Paul Gay.  

“It’s a real thrill for filming to be underway with such a top-rate cast starring alongside Adrian Dunbar and led by a superb production team,” said Jonathan Fisher. 

“We can’t wait to share this absorbing new detective series with our audience.”