Film crews were back in Bolton after ITV announced the return of a hit detective drama.

Film equipment was spotted on Victoria Square on Monday, following the news that detective drama, Ridley, will be returning to screens.

Spotlights and lorries carrying filming equipment were seen on the square, as well as on Le Mans Crescent, just days after they returned to film series two of the programme last week.

The Bolton News: Film crews were spotted in Bolton after the new series of ITV's Ridley was announcedFilm crews were spotted in Bolton after the new series of ITV's Ridley was announced (Image: Newsquest)

Last month, the show’s star, Adrian Dunbar was seen on location at Le Mans Crescent after ITV confirmed in July that the show would return.

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His character strikes up a working partnership with former colleague Carol Farman (played by Bronagh Waugh), with their bond to be "tested" in series two, according to the series writer.

Dunbar said: "There can be no greater endorsement of hard work and talent than the recommission of a series and, to that end, we have to thank ITV and the British public for taking to Ridley in such numbers.

The Bolton News: Crews returned to the town after filming for series two of Ridley last week Crews returned to the town after filming for series two of Ridley last week (Image: Newsquest)"We shall certainly work just as hard to keep the standard we have set and I look forward to developing Ridley as a character over the next four episodes."

Ridley series two will consist of four two-hour films, with Paul Matthew Thompson (Shakespeare & Hathaway), Julia Gilbert (Midsomer Murders) and Michael Bhim (Vera) handling writing duties.

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The Bolton News: Filming equipment was seen on Victoria Square and Le Mans Crescent Filming equipment was seen on Victoria Square and Le Mans Crescent (Image: Newsquest)

Writer Paul Matthew Thompson said: "Adrian Dunbar’s brilliant portrayal struck a chord with ITV viewers, and I can’t wait to share what happens next, as the singing detective settles into his new role of Copelton police consultant.”

"Ridley’s unique and idiosyncratic approach to crime solving will once more be at the forefront of each feature length investigation.

"His animated partnership with DI Carol Farman will be tested, as together they set out to solve some dark and unsettling crimes."

Ridley season one was ITV's fourth biggest drama launch of 2022, with the premiere reaching 7.1 million viewers and the series average settling at a sturdy 6.3 million.