BBC filming in Formby today for drama series 'Broken'

Filming has been taking place today in Formby for the BBC drama 'Broken' to be aired in June 2017. Anna Friel and Paula Malcomson have joined the cast of Jimmy McGovern’s six-part BBC drama which also stars “Lord of the Rings” actor Sean Bean.

The prime-time drama for flagship channel BBC One started filming this week in Liverpool and stars Bean as a modern, maverick Catholic priest presiding over a Northern English urban parish who is confidant, counsellor and confessor to a congregation struggling to reconcile its beliefs with the challenges of daily life in contemporary Britain.

Paula Malcomson was filming on Queens Road in the beauty salon, Eternal Beauty first thing this morning, Wednesday 9th November. Sean Bean is also filming on location today on Ainsdale beach. The film crew dominated Queens Road this morning with vehicles parked on any available space causing some disruption for parents on the school run, however no-one seemed to mind, everyone was just really excited to see the filming.

Beauty salon owner Emma said: "We are delighted to have the film crew with us today filming a new drama series to be shown on the BBC in May/June next yaer. Paula Malcomson was lovely, we are all thrilled to have played a part in the making of episode 4 and will look forward to seeing it on TV next year."

Malcomson, who stars in Showtime series “Ray Donovan” opposite Liev Schreiber, is set to play a woman consumed by a gambling addiction which leads her to a monumental decision that will change the lives of her family forever.

Friel, who worked with McGovern on the third season of “The Street” in 2009, will play a single mother living with her three children and mother in the heart of the community.

Anna said: "The Street gave me one of my most rewarding roles, and afterwards I promised myself that I would collaborate with Jimmy McGovern again,” said Friel. “When the chance came up to work on ‘Broken,’ I jumped at it. It’s a typically brave and truthful script from Jimmy, an important subject and a unique character.”

Aisling Loftus and Adrian Dunbar have also joined the cast, which already includes Mark Stanley, Muna Otaru, Danny Sapani, Lauren Lyle and Rochenda Sandall.

Created by McGovern, who also serves as an executive producer, “Broken” is produced by Colin McKeown and Donna Molloy for LA Productions. Lucy Richer serves as executive producer for the BBC. Ashley Pearce and Noreen Kershaw have been tapped to direct.

Filming inside Eternal Beauty

Filming inside Eternal Beauty

Outside Eternal Beauty on Queens Road in Formby where filming took place earlier today.

Photo from left to right: Michelle Skelson, Caroline Jones (staff), Paula Malcomson (main Character), Emma Skelson (Salon owner), Karen Skelson (staff).

Paula Malcomson with salon owner Emma Skelson