BBC One’s newest crime thriller series hit screens across the UK earlier this month and it’s already gripped the attention of viewers.
The show may be set in Dundee, but did you know it was actually filmed in Manchester?
Joining the ever-growing and impressive list of tv shows, films and blockbuster productions to be filmed on the very streets of our city, Traces – the six-part drama series, which can already be watched in full on BCC iPlayer – stars Three Girls actress Molly Windsor and Line Of Duty’s Martin Compston.
The premise follows Emma Hedges (Windsor) as she returns to Dundee to start a new job.
Her new career brings her mother’s unsolved murder into sharp focus, and Emma joins forces with her forensic lab colleagues to uncover the truth about her mum’s death, with many twists and turns along the way.
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And while it’s true that some parts of the series were in fact filmed on location in Dundee, Scotland – presumably just to add authenticity – the majority of scenes were actually shot in Manchester, with actor Laura Fraser – who plays Professor Sarah Gordon in the series – revealing to The Scots Magazine that: “It’s set in Dundee, but they actually only shot for a week in Dundee – it was all Manchester.”
“We filmed a lot of it in Manchester, but obviously, we had to get up to the location in Dundee,” Martin continued.
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BBC One / iPlayerBBC One / iPlayer
Adding to the discussion, Bobby Cochrane from Screen Manchester – the organisation which helps to facilitate filming in the city – told Creative England: “It was great to facilitate Traces in Manchester and we worked very closely with the locations department to support and permit their requests across the city.
“Key locations included city centre bars, restaurants and hotels, as well as residential properties and park locations to the south and north of the city.”
He continued: “With Manchester doubling as Dundee, it shows the fantastic diverse range of locations that the city has to offer for urban, suburban and rural scenes”.
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Yet another reason why Manchester is so brilliant, right?
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Traces continues on BBC One at 9pm next Monday 18th January, with all episodes available to view in full on BBC iPlayer now.
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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
13th January 2021 
