Hollywood star arrives to film hit TV series
HOLLYWOOD heartthrob Cillian Murphy was spotted filming scenes for Peaky Blinders in Rochdale.
It was a secretive affair, with a closed set at the town hall giving little away.
But when questioned by out sister paper the MEN, producer Joe Donaldson confirmed that Murphy, who plays Brummie gangster Tommy Shelby, was in town.
He added: “Rochdale town hall has some incredible period features and luxurious interiors that lend themselves perfectly to our filming needs.
“We are very grateful to everyone for welcoming the Peaky Blinders cast and ●●The film crew set up in Town Hall Square to record scenes for the hit TV series Peaky Blinders and actors (inset) could be seen entering the Town Hall crew to the town today.”
Town centre pub the Flying Horse let the cat out of the bag last night after staff posted a message on Facebook: “A popular television show is setting up to film on our doorstep. Not saying what the show is but it rhymes with Streaky Winders.”
Extras dressed in period costume could be seen milling around yesterday afternoon. One onlooker said it looked as though wedding scenes were being filmed inside the town hall.
The gangster show starring Murphy and Tom Hardy may be set in Birmingham, but it’s not the first time the production team has chosen to put Greater Manchester in the spotlight. Last year some scenes from the popular BBC drama were filmed in the north west.
For two months in 2015, Arley Hall in Northwich was taken over by camera crews as scenes were shot for the third instalment of the award-winning show.
The hall doubled up as Tommy’s home, complete with bespoke portraits, 1920s furniture and an interior repaint.
Previous episodes of the show have been filmed on location in Wythenshawe and Bolton, which was used as a replica for London scenes.
Manchester Town Hall and Victoria Baths were also chosen to recreate the early 20th century Midlands. Fans may have to wait until spring 2018 to watch the fourth series, although no official date has yet been set.
It’s not the first time Rochdale town hall has made an appearance on the small screen.
In February Corrie stars including Helen Flanagan were spotted filming there and in 2015 the Grade I-listed building was used in ITV cop show Scott and Bailey.
And in 2013 scenes from the BBC drama Our Zoo starring Anne Reid and Ralf Little were shot there.