Channel 5's acclaimed detective drama Ellis has captivated audiences with its second season, which premiered earlier this month. The series stars Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis and Andrew Gower as DS Harper, as they investigate crimes across the north of England. While the show is set in this region, the production actually takes place in Northern Ireland, offering stunning backdrops for the gripping narratives.
Episodes 3 and 4: The Mystery of Elmsly
In episodes 3 and 4, airing on Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18, DCI Ellis and DS Harper travel to the fictional village of Elmsly. The plot revolves around the tragic death of university student Abi Marshall, who is found crushed beneath fallen scaffolding at Quinn Artisan Stone, a construction firm that serves as the area's economic powerhouse. Both the stone works and the village of Elmsly play central roles in these episodes, sparking curiosity among fans about the real-world filming sites.
The Real Villages Behind Elmsly
Contrary to its setting in northern England, Ellis is filmed entirely in Northern Ireland, leveraging the region's diverse landscapes. For the village of Elmsly, the production team utilized two distinct villages: Downpatrick and Drumaness. This strategic choice allowed for a rich visual representation of the fictional location.
Downpatrick, known historically as the burial place of Saint Patrick, provided the perfect setting for key scenes. Channel 5 filmed the police station sequences and the Quinn family home here, capitalizing on the village's stunning Georgian brick buildings. These architectural features add an authentic and picturesque quality to the drama.
Meanwhile, Drumaness, a historical mill village, was used to film Abi Marshall's house and her memorial. This location offers a contrasting yet complementary backdrop, enhancing the emotional depth of the storyline. The combination of these two villages creates a cohesive and believable portrayal of Elmsly.
Behind the Scenes at Quinn Heritage Stone
The stone works, fictionally named Quinn Heritage Stone, were filmed at a family-run building supplies company on the outskirts of Belfast. This location adds an industrial element to the episodes, grounding the narrative in a realistic setting. The choice highlights Northern Ireland's versatility as a filming destination, capable of providing both rural charm and urban grit.
Cast Insights on Filming in Northern Ireland
Sharon D Clarke, who portrays DCI Ellis, praised the show's location-based approach. She remarked, "We have more great locations coming up. That’s the beautiful thing about the show: it’s location-based, so you’re not in the same police station every week with the same colleagues. You get out and about and you see different people, and such beautiful, lovely creative talent have joined the Ellis family this year." This emphasis on diverse settings enriches the viewing experience, allowing audiences to explore new environments with each episode.
Andrew Gower, playing DS Harper, shared his enthusiasm for filming in Northern Ireland. He said, "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. I had never filmed in Northern Ireland or even been here before series one so it was a great experience for me to get to know not only the amazing infrastructure that they have for filming, but also to get to know Belfast and the beautiful landscapes of Northern Ireland."
He added, "We’ve got a lot to be proud of when it comes to our scenery, and Northern Ireland really offers that. It gives each episode a real backdrop and palette to play with." These comments underscore the region's appeal as a filming location, contributing significantly to the show's visual storytelling.
Continuing the Ellis Journey
Ellis season 2 continues to air on Channel 5, with episodes 3 and 4 scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18, at 9pm. The series remains a standout in British television, blending compelling mysteries with breathtaking locations. By filming in Northern Ireland, the production not only showcases the area's natural beauty but also supports local economies and talent.
As fans tune in to uncover the secrets of Elmsly, they can appreciate the real-world villages of Downpatrick and Drumaness that bring this fictional setting to life. The dedication to authentic locations enhances the drama, making Ellis a must-watch for enthusiasts of detective series and scenic television alike.
