HOLLYWOOD actor Martin Freeman has been pictured on set in St Helens filming new BBC police series The Responder.
As reported by the Star earlier this week, the cast and crew of the new six part BBC drama have been on location in Taylor Park.
But they have also been at addresses in the town, including Eccleston Park, with Freeman – who rose to fame in The Office and went on to star in films such as The Hobbit, Black Panther and series including Sherlock and Fargo – pictured on set by Star readers.
The drama is written by ex-Merseyside Police officer Tony Schumacher, who spent time working on response in St Helens.
Freeman was pictured sheltering from the raindrops on a miserable Friday, while other actors in the series, such as Mark Womack, were also spotted.
Star readers said they were thrilled to have a big series and a Hollywood actor on their doorstep.
One wrote: "I live on Eccleston Park, and they filmed right outside my house today, something we never see and the kids loved it."
Another added: "After being on the government shielding list for what seems like forever I was thrilled to look out of my window and see the production on my doorstep.
"So many negative comments about filming around town and Taylor Park. I for one think it's fabulous that we are being used for filming, especially with superstars standing in the rain."
The Hollywood actor pictured on set
The actor - known for roles in Sherlock and the Hobbit - was sheltering from the raindrops
Freeman plays Chris, a crisis-stricken, morally compromised, unconventional urgent response officer tackling a series of night shifts on the beat in Liverpool.
Whilst trying to keep his head above water both personally and professionally, Chris is forced to take on a new rookie partner Rachel (Adelayo Adedayo).
Both soon discover that survival in this high pressure, night-time world will depend on them either helping or destroying each other.
The Responder aims holds a mirror up to the emotional extremes of life on the front line of British policing – sometimes darkly funny, sometimes painfully tragic, always challenging.
Martin Freeman in an official image for The Responder
Freeman said: “Tony Schumacher’s scripts were so unique and honest that I knew very quickly that I wanted to be a part of The Responder and take on the role of Chris
"No-one writes like Tony and it has been exhilarating inhabiting the world he has created.”
Schumacher added: "My fantasy casting when I was writing the character of Chris in the Responder was Martin Freeman.
"Seeing that fantasy become reality is beyond exciting.
"Martin is one of the great British actors.
The crew have been on various locations in St Helens
"He brings such a well of talent and humanity that breathes magic into the words I've been lucky enough to give him.
"I can’t wait for audiences to get to see his performance in this role, it’s one I feel very lucky to have had a front row seat for.”
The Responder has secured funding and support from the Liverpool Film Office through the LCR Production Fund.
Filming is taking place now in and around Liverpool City Region.
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