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.
Filming just next to our office in Bolton for the next series of 'Traces' for the BBC pic.twitter.com/0M1hKUdUYV
— Bolton Business Finance (@boltonfinance) April 20, 2021
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.
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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.
Woman charged with murder of 75-year-old man inside block of flats in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
A woman has been arrested and subsequently charged with the murder of a 75-year-old man in Bolton over the weekend.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to Hargreaves House on Ormrod Street in Bolton at around 8am this past Friday morning (17 July), but upon arrival, they sadly located the body of a 75-year-old man inside the address and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 49-year-old woman was arrested and taken into custody for questioning, but now it has been confirmed that she has been charged with murder.
The woman, whose name is Samantha Nuttall, of Bradford Street in Bolton, has been remanded into custody, and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today (Monday 20 July).
Formal identification of the victim is yet to take place, but next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported at this time.
GMP’s Major Incident Team have launched a murder investigation and are continuing to pursue multiple lines of enquiry to establish the full circumstances.
“It is our priority to obtain some answers regarding the full circumstances of this tragic incident, and we are appealing for information from the public to help us progress our investigation,” commented Detective Inspector, Louise Kelly.
Can you help? Anyone with any information, CCTV, or mobile phone footage that may relate to the investigation can provide it via the Major Incident Public Portal here, or contact police on 101 or via the Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 744 of 17/07/26.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
Bolton
Peter Kay adds MORE hometown charity gigs in aid of Bolton Hospice
Danny Jones
Local comedy icon Peter Kay has added even more homecoming charity gigs, adding some extra shows at the historic Albert Halls.
You can guarantee these tickets will be snapped up quicker than you can say garlic bread.
Performing on behalf of his hometown’s Bolton Hospice, the Lancashire legend and stand-up veteran might be winding down his hugely successful career on stage, but not before raising as much money for charity as possible.
Confirmed on Monday, 13 July, a further four ‘Peter Kay: Better Late Than Never (Again!)’ dates have been tacked on the regional tour run – but there’s a catch.
Yes, in case you missed the initial announcement back in April, the 53-year-old from Farnworth is only catering to his native Boltonians.
With seats being made exclusive to those with specific postcodes only – after all, his previous record-breaking tour saw people all over the country treated to plenty of dates – this latest update gives them even more of a chance of getting tickets.
Speaking ahead of the sets scheduled for early next year, Peter says, “There was such a big demand for tickets for the shows that I really want to do more and give the people who missed out the chance to come along.”
If you want to check if you’re eligible to grab one, you can read more down below.
The Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy creator goes on to add: “I’m putting on four more shows in the New Year and playing at the weekend means I can also perform matinees, as well as evening shows and increase funds for the hospice, which is what it’s all about.”
Kay has already raised huge sums for various charities throughout his career, and with all proceeds from these upcoming performances going to the organisation, these funds can make such a difference in so many lives.
Adding matinee and evening slots on Saturday and Sunday, 9-10 January 2027 (3:30 and 7:30pm), respectively, the quartet of additional comedy shows go on sale at 10am this Friday, 17 July.
Emily Sergeant -
21st April 2021 
