Red Rose creators reveal secrets about BBC and Netflix Red Rose

This article contains spoilers.

Paul and Michael Clarkson, former pupils at Thornleigh Salesian College, have showcased their home town to the world via the Netflix phenomenon, Red Rose.

The twins put Bolton centre stage of the series. They previously described the borough as a character in its own right within the story.

Locals might recognise the likes of Le Mans Crescent and Smithills Hall, as well as references to Carrs Pasties and a park named after Samuel Crompton.

The show was shot in various other locations around the borough, such as in the town centre on Bridge Street, Churchgate, and Scouts Road, at a house on Church Road between Farnworth and Kearsley, and Queens Park and in Westhoughton.

A couple of weeks on from the eight-part horror-drama series making its debut on global streaming service Netflix, the pair have shared some Easter eggs and secrets about the show during a BBC interview.

READ MORE: Red Rose arrives on Netflix to showcase Bolton globally

Although the plot does not mimic real events, the characters very much do. The pair have long been adamant their fellow Boltonians are worthy of the big screen, and many of the characters are based on their friends and family.

Red Rose cast

In fact, their father, Mick Clarkson, is even in episode six - in the karaoke bar where parents are having a pint.

“He’s the old man that looks like a turtle on the stage,” Michael said in an interview to BBC 3

There’s also a touching tribute to the creators’ late mother, Maria Clarkson, in the same scene, who died when the boys were 17.

“When our dad leaves the stage, and he says ‘Maria’ and the woman sings Set You Free by N-Trance, it’s because our mum instilled in us the idea of love and empathy, and only love can set you free,” Michael said.

The yellow rose placed on a grave in the final episode also relates to their mother, which was part of her wedding bouquet.

READ MORE: BBC and Netflix Red Rose premieres in Bolton

The yellow rose represents friendship, Paul explained, which ultimately destroyed Red Rose.

Red Rose being filmed in Bolton

The brothers revealed what part the viewer plays.

In the finale, the screen cuts the black for slightly too long, allowing those watching to see themselves reflected.

READ MORE: BBC's Red Rose was filmed in Bolton - find out where

A still from the show (Image: BBC)

The final revelation, which should not come as much of a surprise to Boltonians, was the inspiration for the name of the show – the red rose of Lancashire. The full interview can be read on the BBC here.