Michelle Keegan has been seen filming in Manchester for the latest Harlan Coben drama, an eight-part Netflix adaptation of his 2007 novel The Woods. The production, currently underway across Manchester and the North West, brings together stars from Coben's other popular shows.
Plot and Cast Details
According to Netflix, the story follows Paul 'Cope' Copeland, whose sister Camille vanished from a summer camp in the woods 20 years ago. Now a barrister and single father, his past resurfaces when the body of a man supposedly murdered alongside Camille is found, suggesting his sister may have escaped the woods alive.
Tom Bateman, known for Hedda, Funny Woman, and Murder on the Orient Express, takes the leading role of Paul. Michelle Keegan, who starred in Coronation Street, Brassic, and Ten Pound Poms, joins as Lucy Silverfield. Keegan previously appeared in the 2024 Netflix adaptation of Coben's Fool Me Once, which filmed at locations including an Oldham park, Stockport tunnels, a Bolton school, and a Miles Platting cemetery.
Additional Cast and Filming Locations
Joining Bateman and Keegan are James Buckley (The Inbetweeners), Tom Allen (The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice), Tracy-Ann Oberman (It's A Sin, Run Away), Mandeep Dhillon, Pearce Quigley, Kerry Howard, and Rade Sherbedgia.
Filming has already taken place at Bolton's Le Mans Crescent, with Manchester city centre now the focus. Keegan was spotted filming tense scenes on Mount Street, near Central Library and The Midland hotel, on Monday afternoon (June 22). A building was dressed as the fictional St Benedict's University, with Keegan's character involved in an argument.
Author's Comments
“What a thrill I get to collaborate again with the amazing Michelle Keegan,” author Harlan Coben said. “And Tom [Bateman] is such a huge talent and the perfect leading man. You can’t take your eyes off either one of them. They are the ideal Paul and Lucy.”
The series is produced by Manchester-based Quay Street Productions, known for Tip Toe and After The Flood.
