DORSET looks set to star on the big screen once again with an Oscar nominated actress filming on Chesil Beach this week.

After a summer in which filming of Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk took over Weymouth, the area is once again set to play a starring role in an upcoming film.

As reported in the Echo earlier this year, Saoirse Ronan is set to star in a new film adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novella On Chesil Beach, which is set on the Dorset coast.

Filming has now been taking place on the film on Chesil beach near Chickerell, opposite the Bagwell Farm Touring Park.

Speaking to the Echo, a spokeswoman for the production said that they were filming on Wednesday and yesterday with production continuing on the beach today.

She added that Ronan, who plays the female lead Florence, is on the beach taking part in filming as is Billy Howle who plays the male lead Edward.

The movie is also being shot in London and at Pinewood Studios and is set to be released next year.

It is based on the 2007 book of the same name by Ian McEwan who has also written the screenplay for the film.

It tells the story of a newlywed couple in 1962 who find their relationship irrevocably altered whilst honeymooning in a Dorset hotel.

The spokeswoman said that they have been given special dispensation to film on the beach for which they feel very privileged and grateful.

The production team wanted to thank the Fleet Nature Reserve for the permission to film.

Ronan has received two Oscar nominations for her role in Atonement in 2007 and Brooklyn in 2015.

The film is due to be released next year and is being directed by Dominic Cooke and produced by Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley.

Karen Kennedy from the touring park said there was “quite a buzz around”.

The film is being produced in conjunction with the BBC.

Dorset has proved a popular spot for TV and film in recent years with Dunkirk and other productions shooting here.