Scenes for the third episode of ITV’s hit crime drama Ridley were filmed in the Grade1-listed 18th century hall last autumn.

The crime series is set in the fictional Lancashire district of Copelton. Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar plays the title character, Alex Ridley, a veteran Detective Inspector forced into early retirement on medical grounds after his wife and daughter were murdered in an arson attack on the family home.

(Image: MATT SQUIRE)

Following his recovery from a mental breakdown, he has rejoined the Copelton District Police Force as a freelance consultant.

This Sunday’s episode features an illegal rave and filming for it took place in the West Wing of the hall, specifically what was once the kitchen, cellars, pantry and servants’ living quarters.

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But don’t expect any exquisite décor – the rooms were burnt back to the bricks in a fire in the 1980s and scorch marks are still visible today.

Val Dawson, secretary of The Friends of Heaton Hall said: “We’re all looking forward to watching the episode. Last week they used some shots of the park, but we’ll be able to see how they used the interior on Sunday.”

Heaton Hall has appeared in many films and television dramas over the decades, going back to Granada Television’s landmark adaptation of Brideshead Revisited in 1981.

Val said: “I think one of the main reasons why Heaton Hall is such a busy filming location is because it’s largely empty.

“Film and television makers don’t have to spend time removing what’s already in there before setting up their own sets.”

(Image: MATT SQUIRE)

Earlier this year, crews were in Heaton Park for the next dramatisation of  a Harlan Corben novel.

Filming is currently underway for Run Away. Filming took place at the park’s Temple.

Designed in 1800, the Temple is the highest viewing platform in Manchester and was originally used as an observatory by Sir Thomas Egerton, the first Earl of Wilton.

But for filming, it was transformed into an elegant terrace restaurant.

The series can also be streamed on ITVX