Bath-set ITV detective series McDonald & Dodds returns for a new series this Sunday after filming at various locations across the city.
Production company Mammoth Screen again worked with Bath Film Office to shoot scenes for the popular drama, including Bathwick Hill, Trim Street, Bartlett Street, Margaret’s Buildings, The Circus, Abbey Churchyard and Englishcombe Lane.
Water locations included the Kennet & Avon Canal and Riverside Walk, while green spaces Parade Gardens and Alexandra Park will also feature on screen in the new series.
The show, centred on the working relationship between two mismatched-but-unexpectedly effective crime-solving Bath detectives, became an instant hit when series one was first broadcast two years ago.
Its third series sees Tala Gouveia and BAFTA-award winning Jason Watkins, pictured, reprise their roles as the smart and ambitious DCI McDonald and the humble and quietly brilliant DS Dodds.
They are joined by cast addition Claire Skinner (Outnumbered), pictured below, as their new boss, Chief Superintendent Ormond.
As with the previous series, they are joined by a host of big-name TV acting talent in cameo appearances.
Filming also took place at Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios, where sets were built for the police station precinct, and in the city’s Stokes Croft area.
Other locations included Haynes Motor Museum, Dundas Aqueduct and Tyntesfield – all in Somerset – and Castle Combe racetrack in Wiltshire.
Mammoth Screen COO Jon Williams said: “We were delighted to return to Bath and the West of England to produce a third series of McDonald & Dodds.
“Mammoth has been producing shows in the West of England for nearly 15 years and with very good reason.
“Whilst the breadth of locations continues to surprise us, the incredibly film-friendly nature of the region together with the range and depth of production and post production talent the region offers continue to delight us.”
Bath Film Office, which is part of Bath & North East Somerset Council, promotes the district as a film and TV location and helps productions access public areas with the minimum of disruption to residents and businesses.
Recent small screen successes shot in the city, including the highly acclaimed Netflix series Bridgerton, have helped develop Bath’s status as a prime filming location.
Council leader Kevin Guy said: “It’s exciting that McDonald & Dodds has returned to Bath a third time to once again give our historic city a starring role in a primetime contemporary drama.
“It’s going to be a real treat to see Bath’s heritage buildings and green spaces on screen and I’m pleased our Film Office team were able to assist.”
Guest stars set to feature in the four new standalone murder mysteries making up series three of McDonald & Dodds include Alan Davies (Jonathan Creek, QI), veteran stage and screen actor Dame Sian Phillips (I, Claudius, Keeping Faith), Catherine Tyldesley (Coronation Street, Scarborough), Holly Aird (Waking the Dead, Unforgotten), Paul McGann (Doctor Who, Holby City), Kelvin Fletcher (Emmerdale, Strictly Come Dancing), Ben Batt (Shameless, Domina), Sarah Parish (Stay Close, W1A), Rhashan Stone (Strike Back, Keeping Faith), Nitin Ganatra (Masood in EastEnders), Saira Choudhry (No Offence, Life), Max Bennett (Poldark) and Gerran Howell (1917, Young Dracula).
McDonald & Dodds series three begins on Sunday, 19 June, at 8pm on ITV and ITV Hub. Future instalments then air weekly.
Images courtesy of ITV
