THE cameras have returned to film in front of the iconic West Bay cliffs for smash-hit TV show Broadchurch.

It was the first time the cast and crew have filmed in front of the cliffs on East Beach during the shooting for the second series of the BAFTA award-winning show.

Hollywood legend Charlotte Rampling and internationally acclaimed Marianne Jean-Baptiste were the focus of the camera's attention during the shoot yesterday afternoon.

Even though producers are remaining tight-lipped about the plot for the second series, the show's Bridport-based writer Chris Chibnall has confirmed that Rampling has a ‘pivotal role’ in the plot.

Yesterday was the first time Rampling and Jean-Baptiste had been filmed together for the show, getting tongues wagging about what’s in store.

Graham and Ann Sharpe are on holiday in the area and were watching the filming on the beach.

Mrs Sharpe said: "We had no idea that they would be filming on the beach today.

“We were just getting ready to leave the car park when we saw all the cameras and film crew vans and thought we'd stop and watch it. Broadchurch was such a fantastic series and we are both so pleased it is being filmed again and that it will be set in West Bay.”

Dot Lenthall, Sue Wade and Steve Wade, all from Australia, were visiting their sister Bev Lenthall and took the opportunity to see the filming in action.

Bev, Dot and Sue all grew up in Burton Bradstock and Bev said: “We were in Bridport for the day and thought we would come to West Bay on the off chance they were filming for Broadchurch so we were lucky really.

“It's so strange to think they are filming on our old stomping ground, the amount of times we visited the area as children and now they are filming Broadchurch, it is really great.”

Sue, Steve and Dot all watched the first series when it was screened in Australia.

Mr Wade said: “A lot of people in Australia watched the first series, it was well liked.

“We got quite excited during the first series when they showed the cliffs because we all know the area so well and it's fantastic that we are here as they are filming it.”

Mrs Wade added: "It’s our claim to fame to say we were there when they were filming it."