A BOLTON television fan was overjoyed when he spotted a Line of Duty star filming on Lever Street yesterday.

Bolton News Camera Club member Mark Hainey captured Adrian Dunbar in action while he was driving in the area.

The actor who plays Superintendent Ted Hastings in the hit series Line of Duty, was filming for the new ITV drama Ridley.

Filming got underway this week with shoots taking place across Bolton and parts of Lancashire.

Mark said: “I was just driving past and noticed the camera crews.

“I got the pictures through the fence, and then they wrapped up and packed up.

“It was a nice surprise seeing Adrian, being a Line of Duty fan.”

Adrian said: "Ridley has begun shooting and we really couldn’t be off to a better start. Despite the wintry weather, everything from cast and crew right down to the catering is excellent. We have been joined by some great actors with more to come.”

Film vehicles were also seen outside the former Bolton Magistrates Court ­— the location for many a hit drama yesterday.

In the new series, Adrian will play charismatic detective inspector Alex Ridley, who is retiring from the police after years of dedicated service.

DI Carol Farman, who is played by Bronagh Waugh -is his replacement - and asks for his help on a complex and compelling murder case, where the investigation takes a dark and unexpected turn.

Adrian said: “I don’t think I’ve ever headed into a production with more excitement and enthusiasm.

“As an actor I know how rare it is to be given such a wonderful opportunity, and the combination of Polly Hill and Chloe Tucker at ITV and Jonathan Fisher at West Road Pictures means we are in both safe and creative hands.

“Jonathan and I worked closely together on the very successful series Blood, and I’m confident we can bring some of that magic to Ridley.

“Here’s to getting the team together and developing a show that audiences can find both entertaining and engaging.”

The cast also includes Terence Maynard (Time, Coronation Street) as DCI Paul Goodwin, George Bukhari (Years and Years, The A Word) as DC Darren Lakhan, Georgie Glen (The Crown, Call the Midwife) as pathologist Dr Wendy Newstone. The regular cast also includes Bhavna Limbachia (Citizen Khan, Coronation Street), Aidan McArdle (The Trial of Christine Keeler, The Fall) and Julie Graham (Shetland, Penance).

Crews are expected to return for a number of days this month and next to film in the old magistrates court.