Ten million to tune in for last Broadchurch

IT is the question that has gripped the nation for weeks – who raped Trish Winterman?

Viewers of ITV hit drama Broadchurch are set to find out tonight as the third and probably final series draws to a close.

Ten million are expected to tune in to see detectives Ellie Miller and Alec Hardy, played by Olivia Colman and David Tennant, work out whodunit.

Security is so tight about the identity of the rapist that writer Chris Chibnall has not even told his family who committed the crime. But after 24 gripping episodes, Mr Chibnall – who is set to become head writer on the next series of Doctor Who – told fans to expect a ‘satisfying’ conclusion with ‘some surprises’.

He told The Sunday Times: ‘Sitting down to write the final episode was very emotional and I admit I actually had a bit of a weep doing it. There is pressure with every script, but I am really proud of the final episode.’

He added that he had not yet ruled out another series in the future, though it is ‘certainly the end for now’.

There may also be a few sad shop owners in West Bay, Dorset, which provides the backdrop for the coastal town of Broadchurch. Tourism organisation Visit Dorset has experienced an increase of 133 per cent in enquiries and bookings on its website following the programme’s success. Local businesses which feature on screen have also seen their profits soar thanks to ‘Broadies’ who stop for a selfie before calling in to make a purchase.

One premises in particular has been the Washing pool Farm Shop, which is Flintcombe Farm Shop run by Lenny Henry’s character Ed Burnett in Broadchurch.

Simon Holland, 43, whose family have owned the farm since the 1970s, said he has had to expand his cafe area to cope with the influx.