A TV crime series filmed and set in Kent is due to air on Freeview this month.

The first season of the Whitstable Pearl, which takes place in the seaside town, will air on the free-to-view drama channel next Thursday evening.

The show featuring After Life star Kerry Godliman, has been streaming on the subscription channel, Acorn TV, since 2021.

Meanwhile, it was announced last month that the detective series, based on novels written by local author Julie Wassmer, will return for a third series, which will air on Acorn.

Godliman will reprise her role as restaurant owner Pearl Nolan alongside Howard Charles as DCI Mike McGuire.

As Pearl continues to build her private detective business, she finds herself involved in more diverse investigations – including reopening an infamous local cold case.

Kerry Godliman said: “I am so excited to once again be portraying Pearl Nolan in the third season of Whitstable Pearl.

“I love playing such a rich character and cannot wait to get back to Whitstable to bring more of Julie Wassmer’s wonderful storytelling to the screen.”

Filming is due to start in Whitstable this month, much to the delight of the local author who said: “I am thrilled that Whitstable Pearl will be returning for a third season, as are those all around the world who have taken this series to their hearts - together with its magical setting.

“Be prepared for more edge-of-the-seat drama, intriguing cases for Pearl and McGuire to solve and perhaps the greatest mystery of all – will they finally get together?”

The drama will be streamed on Acorn TV in the UK, North America, New Zealand and Australia.

Meanwhile, Whitstable’s literary festival will host a special launch event for Julie Wassmer’s new novel in the series, Murder at the Allotment, on May 16.

It will also mark WhitLit’s 10th anniversary.