Putting the TV spotlight on our Naturally Inspiring English Riviera

As an avid film and TV fan, I thought I would take a look into some of the films and TV shows that have been recorded right here in the bay.
The first that came to mind was a daytime series called ‘The Coroner’ that aired 2015-2016. I enjoyed watching this for its light-hearted nature but even more so for the chance to spot the various locations used around the Bay. You can also find scenes from Dartmouth, Hope Cove, Totnes Civic Hall portraying the role as the Police Station, and other areas across South Devon. I was quite sad that this series ended – it was such a nice love letter to our area.
As a child/teen, I used to also love watching ‘The Zoo’, which followed the staff and animals at our beloved Paignton Zoo. I’d love it if they bought that show back. The characters of the animals are hilarious and the behind-the-scenes stuff is so interesting.
Another that comes to mind is ‘Fawlty Towers’, a short-run comedy series led by John Cleese who was inspired by his very own stay in Torquay at the now demolished Gleneagles Hotel. Although, this show was in fact never filmed in Torbay. However, you can find Paignton Pier, Goodrington beach and Oldway Mansion in Monty Python’s Flying Circus that was released in 1970.
Only very recently Stacey Solomon was spotted in Preston by the beach huts filming an episode of the next season of Sort Your Life Out, a heartwarming show that helps families de clutter. I love this show! Definitely worth a watch if you want help with ideas on how to tidy your home. It gives you all the emotions – shock, laughter, tears and more.
Dating show ‘Ready to Mingle’ was shot near Babbacombe Bay and saw the singletons complete tasks, including one that involved paddle boarding in Torquay Marina. Seasons 2 and 3 of the docuseries ‘The Hotel’ followed Hotelier Mark Jenkins around The Grosvenor, and then around the Cavendish Hotel in Season 4.
Of course, 2011’s ‘Fish Town’ was filmed around Brixham harbour. The 1975 period drama ‘Barry Lyndon’ featured Compton Castle. Churchill: The Hollywood Years was filmed across various locations in 2004, including Oldway Mansion, Brixham and Cockington. In the 1970s, the comedy show The Goodies was filmed around Torquay.
No doubt I have probably missed some.
Having films and TV shows produced in the bay is great for tourism. Showcasing how lovely the coast and countryside is here. And tourism is, of course, our bread and butter, so we need to do whatever we can to encourage people to come and stay here and enjoy what we have to offer.
If you would like to learn more film and TV trivia, news and recommendations, tune into my show on Torbay Hospital Radio every Sunday 7-9pm. There you will hear me ramble on and nerd out about the world of film and television. I play a range of songs covering a number of genres and decades and reel off film and TVs shows the songs have featured in. Plus, play patient, staff and listener requests and dedications. Tune in via www.torbayhospitalradio.com
Leanne Bevan
Torbay Hospital Radio