Bridge part of supporting cast in hit TV drama
NETFLIX series Stay Close has been topping the streaming service’s charts in the UK since its premiere on New Year’s Eve.
The British mystery drama features some familiar locations across the North West.
Knowledgeable viewers have spotted a few errors in the geography of the scenes, especially in Cheshire.
The series, written by Harlan Coben, was initially meant to be set in Atlantic City in the US yet was filmed in the north of
England.
It follows Megan, a mother who is hiding a dark secret to protect her perfect new life.
As this secret threatens to be revealed, a missing person causes detectives to stumble upon the work of a potential serial killer.
Famous names in the show include James Nesbitt, Eddie Izzard, Richard Armitage and Jo Joyner.
Scenes are set in famous landmarks across Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
The Dream Sculpture at Sutton Manor in St Helens is one stand-out location in the show, acting as a continuous point.
The Silver Jubilee Bridge in Halton is another, connecting Megan’s new life to her secret life whereas in reality, it connects the towns of Widnes and Runcorn.
Netflix tweeted a tribute to the bridge, calling it the “most underrated supporting character” in the series.
However, eagle-eyed local viewers have pointed out that Megan ends up in St Helens and Blackpool after driving over the bridge southwards from Widnes to Runcorn, leaving them stumped at the meeting show’s geography!
The Silver Jubilee Bridge costs £2 per crossing.
One viewer, @unimaginative01, said: “The charges for crossing over will have racked up. Long commute to Blackpool too!”
@Shaun_F96 agreed: “I know it’s a fictional town but how do you drive south across the Runcorn bridge and end up 40 miles north in Blackpool then 30 miles east in St Helens?”
User @SaintAde1266 tweeted: “So going to Blackpool, via the Run[c] orn Bridge and popping over to The Dream in St Helens on the way. And it only takes 5 mins!”
Tatton Park and Arley Hall near Northwich also feature within the series, also fictitiously located around Blackpool.
The random locations have not stopped many from enjoying the popular drama, even marvelling at the depiction of the Cheshire landmarks.
@StevoGreenall tweeted: “Truthfully, I did not know where filming of #StayClose was done and when I saw #thedream I was in 7th heaven. Runcorn Bridge never looked so amazing.”