Hollywood stars film in Harrogate as Channel 4 recreates Operation Yewtree

Hollywood's finest have been flocking to Harrogate over the last few weeks to film an Operation Yewtree drama for Channel 4.
Julie WaltersJulie Walters
Julie Walters

Stars including Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane and Andrea Riseborough have all been spotted around the town as they film new drama National Treasure.

Channel 4 confirmed that some scenes were being shot in Harrogate using locations near Leeds Road, including Fulwith Mill Lane and Stone Rings Lane for filming.

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The crew have reportedly been filming in the town over the past three weeks and are due to conclude their work in Harrogate next week.

National Treasure be based on Operation Yewtree and will examine the fall of a household name comedian accused of an historic rape in the 1970s.

The drama will focus on the impact of accusations of historic sexual offences against Paul Finchley, a fictional, much-loved public figure played by Coltrane.

The incendiary TV drama has been inspired by the historic sex cases involving shames stars Jimmy Savile, Stuart Hall and Rolf Harris.

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Walters, one of Britain's best loved actresses, is best known for her roles in Educating Rita and Harry Potter.

She will play the fallen idol's wife in the show with Andrea Riseborough to play the couple's daughter.

The drama has been written by BAFTA-winning writer Jack Thorne who has also worked on E4's Glue, Channel 4's This Is England and Sky's The Last Panthers.

He said: “It is truly incredible to work with actors of this extraordinary calibre. I've had such an amazing time in rehearsals watching Marc working with them."