Key Highlights
- Channel 5’s new detective drama “Cooper & Fry” is set in the Peak District but filmed elsewhere.
- The series follows two detectives, Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, played by Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill respectively.
- Filming took place primarily in County Wicklow, Ireland, including locations like Bray, Glendalough, and Roundwood.
- The actors faced challenging weather conditions while filming in one of the hottest summers Ireland has experienced.
Where is “Cooper & Fry” Filmed?
Channel 5’s new detective drama “Cooper & Fry”, based on the beloved Stephen Booth books, offers viewers a glimpse into the mysterious and foreboding landscapes of England. However, the show’s filming locations are not what they seem; despite being set in the picturesque Peak District, much of the series was shot in Ireland.
Setting the Stage: The Fictional Town of Edendale
The series is set in a fictional town called Edendale within the Peak District, renowned for its mist-shrouded beauty and rich local folklore. While the setting serves as a critical backdrop to the story, it was not enough to serve as the filming location.
Film Locations: A Journey Through Ireland
The majority of “Cooper & Fry” was filmed in County Wicklow, an area known for its stunning natural landscapes. Specific locations include Bray, Glendalough, Newtown Mount Kennedy, Glendarragh, Lough Dan, Roundwood, and Cloghleagh Forest. Additionally, scenes were shot in Ballymore Eustace and Kilteel in County Kildare, as well as in Dublin.
Challenges of Filming
The actors faced significant challenges during filming, particularly with the weather. Robert James-Collier, who plays Ben Cooper, noted that they filmed through one of the hottest summers Ireland has ever experienced. Despite this, he wore his signature jacket for every scene, even when it was unbearably hot.
“Ben’s jacket was inspired by Bergerac.
He used to wear a tan leather jacket and I wanted a signature jacket for Ben,” said Robert James-Collier.
Mandip Gill, who plays Diane Fry, also shared her experiences:
“My favourite scenes were definitely the ones where we’re out and about, and we filmed on a lot of lovely farms, cottages, and high streets. They were so nice because those scenes were so different from all the filming we did in the police station,” said Mandip Gill.
A Unique Filming Experience
Despite the challenges, both actors found their time on set to be rewarding. James-Collier emphasized that they filmed for weeks straight at the police station, which made any departure from those scenes particularly enjoyable:
“Anytime we left the police station was great,” said Mandip Gill.
Conclusion
The production of “Cooper & Fry” showcases a unique blend of location challenges and dedication to authenticity. While set in the mystical Peak District, the series was filmed in Ireland’s natural beauty, ensuring that viewers are treated to an engaging detective story amidst breathtaking landscapes.
