Stars back in West Bay for Broadchurch 3

The series, dubbed the final chapter, started filming this week in the South West. Stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman have been reprising their roles as DI Alec Hardy and DS Ellie Miller and were spotted in Somerset earlier in the week.

Crews rolled into West Bay on Wednesday and David Tennant was spotted around the area filming a scene at a chalet.

John May writes the westbay.co.uk website and spotted David Tennant during filming.

He said the series provided a good boost to the local area and said businesses should make the most of the tourism boost from the final series.

West Bay has seen visitors arrive from around the world, drawn to see the famous ‘Broadchurch’ cliffs and stunning Jurassic Coast scenery.

He said the film crews turned up on Wednesday. He said: “They have done some filming around the area on Wednesday. They were then up at a chalet in the afternoon. I went up late last night. David Tennant was there.”

He said it was good to see the stars back in West Bay. He added: “Late on Wednesday night, about 10.30pm, the whole of West Bay was under flood light.”

Mr May said: “Broadchurch has given a boost to the area. It’s certainly helping traders.

“Series three is the last. West Bay has to make the most of this one.” He added that he was hoping to see Olivia Coleman, Sir Lenny Henry and Roy Hudd if they came down to film.

The series, written by Bridport writer Chris Chibnall, has proved extremely popular with audiences around the world garnering critical acclaim and awards for both the previous series’.

The new series will herald a brand new case for Miller and Hardy, with the detectives reuniting to investigate a serious sexual assault.

Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan will be returning to play Beth and Mark Latimer and Sarah Parish, Charlie Higson and Mark Bazeley will all be joining the cast for the final series.

Writer Chris Chibnall said: “This is the final chapter of Broadchurch. We have one last story to tell, featuring both familiar faces and new characters. I hope it’s a compelling and emotional farewell to a world and show that means so much to me.”

The series explores the consequences of a serious sexual assault as a Dorset community comes under the scrutiny of Hardy and Miller’s investigation. Based on a year of research with Dorset-based organisations who specialise in dealing with victims of sexual assault, and police advisors who specialise in investigating crimes of sexual violence, Broadchurch’s final chapter looks at the emotional cost to all of those involved and the irreparable damage to friendships and relationships.

Broadchurch Producer, Dan Winch: "We've received fantastic support from the residents and businesses of West Bay.

"A great deal of careful planning has gone in to making our return to the area possible, and we're extremely grateful for the wonderful welcome. "We're delighted to be back here filming the final series of Broadchurch."

Picture from westbay.co.uk