Bolton

Bolton town centre becomes site of ‘bomb explosion’ as film crews shoot BBC drama series

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 21st April 2021

A major street in Bolton town centre was transformed into the aftermath of an explosion for the filming of the second series of a critically-acclaimed BBC drama series yesterday.

Concerned members of the public first spotted several emergency services vehicles – including fire engines, ambulances and police cars – pulling up to Corporation Street, outside the Market Place shopping centre in the heart of the town centre, on Tuesday morning.

The street was then seen taped off to the public, with debris strewn across the pavement and in front of a row of shops.

But despite this dramatic and distressing scene, it was actually nothing to worry about.

It soon transpired after Bolton Council confirmed that the explosion aftermath was set up as part of the filming for the second series of BBC One’s critically-acclaimed drama series, Traces, which first aired back in January and went on to grip the attentions of viewers up and down the country.

ADVERTISEMENT

The series – which is set in Dundee but predominantly filmed in Greater Manchester – focuses on three female forensic professionals working together at the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science (SIFA) as they uncover the truth of a murder case to bring a killer to justice.

It stars Breaking Bad’s Laura Fraser, Molly Windsor (Three Girls), Jennifer Spence (Stargate Universe), and Line Of Duty’s Martin Compston.

ADVERTISEMENT

Members of the public eager to catch a glimpse of the show’s stars and the filming in action began gathering round the scene as the day went on, with eyewitness Callum Major revealing: “It looked like it was some sort of explosion or drugs raid scene.

“It was really exciting to watch and see how they make the programme.

“It looked so realistic”.

ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook – I Belong to Bolton / Callum Major

Traces joins the long list of shows filmed in Greater Manchester, with the region earning itself a reputation over the past few years as one of the go-to filming locations for an impressive roster of TV shows, films and blockbuster productions – with recent projects including the next series of the cult-favourite BBC show Peaky Blinders, hit Netflix series’ The Crown, The Stranger, White Lines and The English Game, to upcoming ITV show Viewpoint and BBC drama Ridley Road, as well as the notable stand-out Channel 4 five-part drama series It’s A Sin.

The second series of Traces is expected to air on Alibi and BBC One later this year.

Featured Image – Twitter (@boltonproud)

Bolton

Appeal launched after dead dog found floating in popular beauty spot

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Appeal launched after dead dog found floating in Jumbles Reservoir

The RSPCA has launched an appeal after a dog was found dead in a Greater Manchester beauty spot.

The young Staffordshire Bull Terrier was discovered by a passerby in the water at Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton late last month.

The poor animal, who was a dark brindle/black colour with white markings, had signs of blunt force trauma to the head, and a prolapsed eye.

She had been in the reservoir for no more than two days but it’s not known whether she was alive or dead before she was found on 29 November.

The RSPCA is now asking the public to come forward with any information relating to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.

The passerby who found the dog at Jumbles Country Park took her to a vet, who contacted the RSCPA with concerns about her condition.

Due to the level of decomposition, it wasn’t possible to complete a more detailed examination but her death does appear to be suspicious.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Lee Ferrans, who is looking into the incident, said: “Unfortunately this poor dog wasn’t microchipped so we haven’t been able to gather any further information that way.

“She’d suffered what looks like blunt force trauma to the head area, as one eye was prolapsed, but there was no sign of scuffing on her nails which could have pointed to a possible road traffic accident.

“We’d like to thank the kind member of the public for taking the action they did as this would have been an incredibly upsetting sight to come across. For the owners to seemingly dump their pet’s body in this way is appalling.

“We’d appeal to anyone who was in the area at that time and saw suspicious activity or has information that could help our investigation, to get in touch.”

The public can ring the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01400488.

Read more

WARNING – DISTRESSING – Image of the dog found at Jumbles

DISTRESSING - Image of a dead dog found at Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton. Credit: RSPCA
DISTRESSING – Image of a dead dog found at Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton. Credit: RSPCA

Featured image: Geograph, David Dixon

Bolton

This is why Danny Jones isn’t getting a cash prize for winning I’m A Celeb

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

It’s official, Danny Jones is the King of the I’m A Celeb jungle for 2024… but he won’t be taking a cash prize home with him.

In case you haven’t been watching, the finale of ITV‘s smash-hit reality show, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Here! aired last night, and it was Bolton‘s very own McFly band member, Danny Jones, who won the hearts of the nation and took home the coveted crown, but despite his flashy new title, a cash prize doesn’t come along with it.

Danny entered the final of I’m A Celeb last night alongside fellow campmates Coleen Rooney, who came in second, and Reverend Richard Coles who took third place.

The singer-songwriter seemed to have emerged as a fan favourite early on in the series, and was publicly praised by viewers on social media throughout, especially for tackling his trials and responsibilities, and after opening up about his ongoing battle with anxiety.

But after an emotional reunion with his wife Georgia and little boy Cooper during last Friday’s episode (6 December), he cemented himself as a frontrunner to win.

After being announced as the King of the Jungle last night, Danny said: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I gave my all in there, it’s a lovely feeling to be liked. Thank you so much, I appreciate this so much.”

Despite everything he put in to clinch the crown, and despite what many viewers seem to think, unlike other similar reality shows such as Love Island and Big Brother, the only winnings Danny will be walking away were agreed prior to him appearing on the show.

I’m A Celeb contestants each agree a fee with their agent for competing on the show before they enter into the jungle, and then, as long as they stay in for a total 72 hours, the money is theirs, even if they withdraw after that time frame.

According to ITV, the 72-hour mark is set to ensure the celebs don’t just bail as soon as they get in there and run off with the money.

Read more:

While the fees each contestant agreed on this year haven’t been formally confirmed, it’s widely been reported in a number of sources that Danny Jones is being paid a sum of around £100,000 to £150,000 for his time Down Under.

Featured Image – ITV

More Bolton

The best Christmas light trails in and around Greater Manchester

Art & Culture

The best light trails around Greater Manchester to explore this winter

Ian Evatt responds to negative chants from Bolton fans after Stockport 5-0

Bolton

Ian Evatt responds to negative fan chants after Bolton’s 5-0 thrashing against Stockport County

Bolton

Police urgently appeal after three-car crash in Bolton leaves girl, 6, with ‘life threatening’ injuries

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches