BBC drama filmed at New Hope shop in Watford

The New Hope shop in Queens Road, Watford, was transformed this week for a new BBC drama featuring Bill Nighy, Helena Bonham Carter, Erin Doherty and Tom Burke.

According to the BBC, the six-part series, California Lane, is set in a secluded 1970’s canal-side caravan park deep in the English countryside. But its peace is disrupted by the arrival of Lela (Erin Doherty) and her 11-year-old child, who are on the run and looking for refuge.

Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter star as Jerry and Eddie, Lela’s parents, while Tom Burke co-stars as showman outcast, Cooper.

The leading lady, the only one of the star actors to actually film in the shop, even took time out to pose for a photograph with members of the head office management team.

The series is the latest BBC collaboration between Hugo Blick and production companies Drama Republic and Eight Rooks, following recent highly acclaimed productions, The English, The Honourable Woman and Black Earth Rising.

The New Hope shop had a makeover to assume the identity of a 70s supermarket. The shop was closed for four days while it was being prepped for the role and then for a further day with the stars in situ for the filming.

Blick said: “Over the past few decades, whether through comedy, political dramas or even a western, I’ve looked to explore what television fiction can be. California Avenue is an exploration of the people who inspired me to want to do this.”

Executive producer and Drama Republic co-founder Greg Brenman, said: “In California Avenue, Hugo has conjured a world of precious relationships and unexpected revelations, all delivered with a big, big heart and generous humour. If you ever needed reminding of Hugo’s incredible range as a storyteller, look no further.”

And Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: "Hugo Blick has given us some of the finest television of the past three decades and it’s an honour to join forces with him alongside Bill, Helena, Erin, Tom and Drama Republic to take BBC viewers on the journey of a lifetime to 1970s California Avenue."

It will be business as usual at the shop from Saturday, October 18.