Channel 5's detective drama Ellis returned for season 2 earlier this month, with Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis and Andrew Gower as DS Harper solving cases across the north of England. However, the show is actually filmed in Northern Ireland, taking advantage of the region's diverse landscapes.
The fictional village of Elmsly, featured in episodes three and four (airing March 17 and 18), was shot across two real locations: Downpatrick and Drumaness. Downpatrick, said to be the burial place of Saint Patrick, provided the setting for police station scenes and the Quinn family home, thanks to its Georgian brick buildings. Drumaness, a historical mill village, was used for Abi Marshall's house and her memorial.
The stone works, known as Quinn Heritage Stone in the show, were filmed at a family-run building supplies company on the outskirts of Belfast. Andrew Gower praised Northern Ireland's scenery, saying: 'The landscape is amazing. It gives you everything you need. You’ve got the hills, the beaches, the industry.'
Sharon D Clarke also highlighted the show's location-based nature: 'You get out and about and you see different people, and such beautiful, lovely creative talent have joined the Ellis family this year.' Ellis season 2 continues Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 at 9pm on Channel 5.
