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Here are the Kent links to ITV's new drama Flesh and Blood starring Imelda Staunton and Russell Tovey

11:08, 25 February 2020

updated: 12:04, 25 February 2020

Parts of a new British drama staring Harry Potter actress Imelda Staunton were filmed in Kent.

Flesh and Blood launched on ITV last night and will continue over the next three evenings.

New series Flesh and Blood started last night on ITV. Pictured: Imelda Staunton as Mary, Claudie Blakley as Helen, Lydia Leonard as Natalie, Francesca Annis as Vivien, Ayden Beale as Aaron, Russell Tovey as Jake, Mia Lloyd as Maddie and Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lily. Picture, taken at Normans Bay, East Sussex, is from ITV
New series Flesh and Blood started last night on ITV. Pictured: Imelda Staunton as Mary, Claudie Blakley as Helen, Lydia Leonard as Natalie, Francesca Annis as Vivien, Ayden Beale as Aaron, Russell Tovey as Jake, Mia Lloyd as Maddie and Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lily. Picture, taken at Normans Bay, East Sussex, is from ITV

It is a modern story of three adult siblings, exploring themes of relationships, trust, loyalty and love as they spiral towards a tragedy and possible crime.

The three siblings are thrown into disarray when their recently widowed mother declares she’s in love with a new man.

As she nears her 70th birthday, their suspicions are heightened when the new suitor sweeps their mother off her feet, shifting her priorities away from her children.

The happiness of her 45-year marriage to their father is called into question, which sends a seismic shock through the lives of the siblings.

Years of secrets, lies, rivalries and betrayals come to the surface and threaten to blow apart everything they’ve held dear.

Parts of the drama were filmed at Greatstone beach. Picture from ITV
Parts of the drama were filmed at Greatstone beach. Picture from ITV

It stars Russell Tovey, from Years and Years and Him & Her, Imelda Staunton, who played Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films, Claudie Blakley from Manhunt and Lydia Leonard from Gentleman Jack.

And viewers might spot some familiar scenes.

During filming production visited Romney Sands, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, at Greatstone Beach on Romney Marsh.

The actors are seen filming while sitting on the sand dunes.

The cast and crew also visited Farningham, near Sevenoaks, to film at Grade II listed building The Manor House, on the High Street.

Other beach scenes were shot along the Sussex coastline, including Normans Bay.

Watch the Flesh and Blood trailer

The drama was created and written by Sarah Williams, who is from Kent and whose previous credits include The Long Song, Case Sensitive and Poppy Shakespeare.

It has been directed by BAFTA nominee Louise Hooper, who also worked on Cheat, Vera and Cold Feet.

It is not the first drama to take advantage of Kent's vast landscape.

BBC's Back to Life, which was filmed in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, has been commissioned for a second series.

ITV's Liar was filmed at Deal and The Tunnel was shot in various locations across east Kent, such as in the Port of Dover, Shepway and Swale.

To see which 27 big budget films were also shot in the county, visit here.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh

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