THE Broadchurch series three finale will be screened live in Bridport - the Dorset town where the series was partly made.

A charity fundraiser screening of the hit ITV series will be held at Bridport Electric Palace on Easter Monday, April 17.

The final episode will be shown live, followed by a Q&A with Chris Chibnall, who lives locally, and other members of the Broadchurch team.

The evening is in aid of Dorset Rape Crisis Centre and The Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Both organisations were consulted extensively throughout Chris’s writing process and on in to production.

With its constellation of stars - including Olivia Colman, David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, Andy Buchan, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Lenny Henry - and the West Dorset countryside in all its glory, the third series of the award-winning crime drama is gripping the nation.

Producer Dan Winch said: “It’s been a privilege and pleasure working with the charities. We’re full of admiration for the amazing work they do and this will be a chance for us to help donate to this vital cause.

“It will also be an opportunity for us to thank the wonderful people of Bridport for their support across all three series. We’re looking forward to a terrific night in the town where it all began.”

Electric Palace manager Susan Warren said: “It’s been an incredible series and brilliant at showing everyone how lovely West Dorset is.“The finale of series 2 was shown here in 2015. It was an enjoyable night and also quite emotional. As this is the last episode of the entire series, the evening looks set to be even more amazing.’’

The first series, which premiered on 4 March 2013, focused on the death of an 11-year-old boy and the impact of grief, mutual suspicion, and media attention on the fictional Dorset town of Broadchurch.

Filming for series two began in late May 2014 and concluded on 12 October 2014, and the series premiered on 5 January 2015. Series three was confirmed on 23 February 2015, immediately following the series two finale, and premiered on 27 February 2017

The storyline of the final series follows the investigation a serious sexual assault and producers worked closely with victim services before filming. It has been praised by police and rape counsellors, saying they hope it will encourage victims of sexual assault to come forward.

Chris Chibnall said he wanted to tell the story after continued increases in the number of sexual offences being reported to police.

Joan Carmichael, Detective Chief Inspector at Dorset Police, said Broadchurch was dramatising a very sensitive subject but it served as a reminder that the police will do everything they can to bring offenders to justice and there is help and support available to anyone who has been a victim of such crimes.

Michelle Challis, manager at The Shores support centre in Bournemouth, said: “Seeking support following an assault is never easy so we wanted it to be demonstrated that there is dedicated support available and you will be taken seriously and looked after.”

n Broadchurch Series 3 finale screening, Monday April 17 at the Electric Palace, Bridport. Tickets for the live screening of Broadchurch cost £5 and are available from the Palace box office or from Bridport TIC. Doors open at 8pm with live showing at 9pm, followed by Q&A with Chris Chibnall and other members of the Broadchurch team. Recommended viewing age is 15+.