How town has inspired new series from writers of hit shows

Paul and Michael Clarkson, from Smithills, are currently penning an eight-part horror thriller called 'Red Rose' for the BBC.

The story follows a group of teenagers from Bolton who download a mysterious app, Red Rose, setting in motion a series of events that take their town by storm, and bring the friends together to battle the unseen forces of a seemingly supernatural entity.

Michael Clarkson said that the duo were "still in the writing stage", with the first five episodes drafted.

He added: "It's a love letter to our town. We love being Northerners and we love Bolton. There's no other place quite like it."

The writers are planning to feature various locations around Bolton in the show- such as Rivington and the town centre.

However, it is not set in stone and Michael pointed out that anything could happen in the meantime- such as location and filming changes.

While Michael pointed out that scenes could be filmed in Yorkshire, for example, he still hopes that the show will cover the "breadth and scope" of Bolton.

Michael graduated Reading University in 2009 after studying English Film and Theatre. He has completed a Masters in Screenwriting at the University of Southern Californian in Los Angeles and also won a Bafta Scholarship. Paul studied physics at Birmingham University and has also completed a Channel 4 screenwriting course.

The duo, who went to Thornleigh Salesian College, kickstarted their career by working on Philip Pullman’s fantasy trilogy, ‘His Dark Materials’, for the BBC and HBO.

The brothers have also worked on upcoming second season of Netflix series “The Haunting of Hill House,”which is entitled "The Haunting of Bly Manor."

“Red Rose” will be executive produced by Joel Wilson and Jamie Campbell for Eleven, Polly Williams for e-One; and Mona Qureshi for the BBC. Olivia Trench will co-executive produce for Eleven.

Filming and casting is expected later this year.