Ellis Season 2: Behind the Scenes of the Channel 5 Detective Drama
Channel 5's acclaimed detective series Ellis is making a highly anticipated return for its second season, promising viewers more thrilling cases and stunning visual backdrops. While the show is narratively set in the north of England, the production team opted to film entirely in Northern Ireland, leveraging its diverse and picturesque landscapes to bring the fictional world to life.
Reprising Roles and New Adventures
Sharon D Clarke reprises her role as DCI Ellis, a determined detective navigating a flawed system, alongside Andrew Gower as DS Harper, her trusted right-hand man. The new series follows the duo as they investigate a range of complex cases, from a suspicious death in a rural village that uncovers deep-seated resentments to a tragic incident at an industrial stone works revealing networks of coercion and exploitation.
In an exclusive interview, Sharon Clarke teased that season 2 delivers even more than its predecessor. She revealed, "For series two, our audiences can expect more. More joy, more twists, more turns, more cases, more beautiful locations, more wonderful guests. Lots of red herrings, lots of clues to trip you up, but also things to make your head spin and make you think." She emphasized the location-based nature of the show, which allows the characters to explore diverse settings beyond a static police station, enriching the storytelling with varied environments and new faces.
Northern Ireland's Scenic Filming Spots
Despite being set in the fictional village of Ashenham in northern England, the production utilized Northern Ireland's stunning locales. Episode one, airing on Tuesday, March 10, features scenes shot at Slemish Mountain, standing in for the fictional Ash Tor. The coastal village of Glenarm, home to the historic Glenarm Castle, served as the backdrop for Ashenham.
Episode two shifts to an industrial setting, filmed at a family-run building supplies company on the outskirts of Belfast. Additional locations include Downpatrick and Drumaness, which were transformed into the hero village of Elmsly. Downpatrick's elegant Georgian brick buildings were used for exterior shots of the police station and the Quinn family home, adding a touch of historical charm to the series.
Cast Reflections on the Filming Experience
Sharon Clarke shared her enthusiasm for filming in Northern Ireland, describing the experience as "glorious." She humorously noted the challenging weather, calling it "brutal" but praised the region's verdant beauty and accessibility. "You can be in the city centre, and then you can be in rolling hillsides within moments. It's been an absolute pleasure seeing this countryside in all its gloriousness," she said. Reflecting on a day at Slemish Mountain, she recounted, "It was brutal, but beautiful at the top. You can see the cows grazing, and there's wind farms, and it's just beautiful emeralds and limes and olives, there's all manner of greens."
Andrew Gower, who had never visited Northern Ireland before the first season, expressed his admiration for the landscape. He stated, "It's special. The landscape is amazing. It gives you everything you need. You've got the hills, the beaches, the industry, so it's an amazing experience." He highlighted the pride in showcasing Northern Ireland's scenery, which provides a rich backdrop and visual palette for each episode, enhancing the overall narrative depth.
Season Premiere Details
Ellis Season 2 premieres on Channel 5 with episodes airing on Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11, at 9 PM. Fans can look forward to a blend of gripping detective work and breathtaking scenery that promises to captivate audiences once again.
