American actor Patrick Fabian has spoken warmly about Newcastle and the wider North East after spending time in the region filming a new ITV drama. The Better Call Saul star visited landmarks including Hadrian's Wall and a Newcastle United match during his stay.
Filming of Bad Blood in Newcastle and Gateshead
ITV commissioned the new drama based on the real-life infected blood scandal, which led to the deaths of thousands of people over 20 years and heavily affected many others. Bad Blood, produced by the same company behind BBC hit Line of Duty, began filming at Newcastle Civic Centre about six weeks ago. Cast members and props, including a red phone box, were spotted in the city centre.
Production later moved across the River Tyne into Gateshead, with scenes shot on a street in Low Fell, drawing interest from local residents.
Patrick Fabian's North East experiences
During a break from filming, Fabian hiked along Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland and dined at Una's Italian restaurant on the Quayside. He was also invited to speak at Newcastle College.
Speaking to ChronicleLive during filming, Fabian said: "I've had a great time! I think I might be a Northumberland boy at heart - I went hiking on Hadrian's Wall, visited Dunstanburgh Castle, took a swim in Embleton Bay, had the best crab sandwich in Craster."
He added: "Walking Hadrian's Wall, that was sublime. I had no idea! I'm so American, I thought they were going to take me out to the country and there'd be a 7/11 or a Starbucks. Spoiler alert for your readers - there was not! It was me and the cows and the sheep for quite a long time!"
Plans for a return visit
Fabian said he intends to return to the region for stargazing at Kielder, noting: "I've heard it's some of the darkest skies in all of Europe!"
His other Geordie experience was a trip to St James' Park to watch Newcastle United, which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Everton.
