BBC hit Happy Valley is having an “outstanding impact” on tourism in Hebden Bridge and West Yorkshire’s Calder Valley – with viewers from around the world flocking to visit.
Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said: “Calderdale is known for its distinctive landscape, architecture and heritage, and when these are showcased on screen they become stars of the show, just like the characters.”
He also said how the success of the show, starring Sarah Lancashire, had seen several other major TV production companies contact the council wanting to film there too.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in requests from production companies and location managers, and we’re working hard to harness the borough’s growing profile as a filming destination,” Mr Swift said.
Happy Valley writer Sally Wainwright has previously filmed Gentleman Jack in Calderdale - which saw three times more visitors to Shibden Hall.
He said: “All of Sally’s series filmed in the area have had outstanding impacts on tourism and the local economy.
“Gentleman Jack trebled visitors to Shibden Hall, Anne Lister’s historic home, and brought millions of pounds into our economy. Local businesses, museums, hotels, events and attractions reported an increase in income, and there was significant growth in the number of international visitors as a result of Gentleman Jack.
“We look forward to the impact that productions including the third series of Happy Valley and The Gallows Pole will have on Calderdale.”
The new six-episode BBC One drama, created and written by Wainwright, returned on New Year’s Day following Sarah Lancashire’s character Sergeant Catherine Cawood on the trail of murderer and sex offender Tommy Lee Royce, played by James Norton.
A host of familiar faces joined the final series, including Game of Thrones star Mark Stanley and former Coronation Street actress Mollie Winnard, who play a married couple.
The pair lead a subplot about domestic violence as Stanley plays controlling PE teacher Rob Hepworth, who padlocks the fridge and beats his wife Joanna, who is addicted to diazepam.
The first episode of the series saw Lancashire’s character discover the remains of a gangland murder victim in a drained reservoir, sparking a chain of events leading back to her former nemesis and the father of her grandson Ryan, played by Rhys Connah
