Hexham is preparing for another appearance on television after being used as one of the main filming locations for new Channel 5 drama Forever Home.
The Northumberland town hosted the cast and crew earlier this year, adding a new production to a growing list of programmes filmed in and around Hexham. The town has previously featured in one of the final series of Vera, while its cobbled streets, riverside views and historic architecture have helped establish it as a recognisable screen setting.
Forever Home had its premiere in Newcastle on Friday night and is due to debut on Channel 5 in a prime-time slot later this year. The series has an all-star cast including Kevin Whately, known for Auf Wiedersehen Pet, former Sherlock lead actor Douglas Henshall and Strictly favourite Lewis Cope.
A Hexham setting for a family mystery
The drama centres on Carol Crottie, played by Amy Nuttall, whose on-screen mother is played by Denise Welch. The story follows Carol as her older husband’s dementia worsens and she becomes concerned that he is concealing a serious secret.
That mystery may be connected to the disappearance of his former wife, who is believed to have left with his brother two decades ago. The storyline gives Hexham viewers a particular reason to look out for the town’s streets and buildings when the series reaches television.
Cast members stayed in Hexham during filming
Nuttall and Welch stayed in Hexham for the duration of filming. Both praised the Beaumont Hotel, where they lived during production, and became fans of Zyka, the Indian restaurant on Priestpopple.
The restaurant made such an impression that the production’s wrap party was held there. The connection gives two Hexham businesses a role in the behind-the-scenes story as well as placing the town’s hospitality offer alongside the drama’s on-screen locations.
Hexham’s latest television appearance follows recognition beyond the screen. The town was named the North East’s best place to live last year by property experts, and also received recognition as the happiest place in the region. Rankings from property firm Rightmove placed Hexham ahead of Newcastle, which was second, and put it in the top 10 nationally.
For residents, the forthcoming series offers a chance to see familiar Hexham locations presented to a national audience. For the town’s visitor and hospitality businesses, the production adds to the profile created by its scenery, heritage character and previous television appearances.
