The BBC’s Happy Valley is one of the most talked-about shows on television right now – and it has plenty of links to Bradford.
Sally Wainwright’s hit drama follows Sgt Catherine Cawood as she battles against the dark underworld of the Calder Valley and ghosts of her past.
The gritty police drama returned on New Year’s Day for its final series after first gripping audiences in 2016.
Let’s take a look at the role Bradford has played in Happy Valley – from filming locations to name drops of real-life places.
Warning: This may contain spoilers for those who haven’t watched the newest series of Happy Valley.
Bradford Council mention
Part of the Happy Valley plot saw local crime kingpins running for top roles at ‘Bradford Council’.
Notorious crime family the Knezevices – including the vicious Darius Knezevic and his brother, who run a drug-running and people-trafficking operation – and have set their sights on the world of local politics.
“New Jersey has the Sopranos. Halifax has the Knezevices,” Sgt Cawood once contemplated.
In this series, Darius has stepped back from the dirty work. The criminal has revealed his plans to get elected onto Bradford city council.
Rita, Sue and Bob Too
The Happy Valley cast has strong links to Andrea Dunbar’s cult-classic comedy, Rita, Sue and Bob Too.
Siobhan Finneran - who plays recovering addict Clare Cartwright, the sister of Sarah Lancashire’s Catherine - and George Costigan, who plays local businessman Nevison Gallagher, starred in the 1987 film.
The film, mostly set on the Buttershaw estate, tells the story of two working-class girls from a rundown council estate who are about to finish their final year at school.
In their spare time, Rita and Sue make money babysitting for married couple Bob and Michelle.
Behind Michelle’s back, Bob embarks on an affair with both Rita and Sue.
It is only a matter of time before Rita and Sue’s parents find out.
The real ‘Baitings Dam’
In episode one of series three, a body was discovered in Baitings Dam.
The actual Baitings Dam can be found near Ripponden – but these particular scenes were filmed at Buck Park Quarry in Denholme.
Filming locations in Bradford
In April 2022, excitement and anticipation took hold of Happy Valley fans in Thornton.
Residents gathered on Market Street after receiving a notice through their doors.
Signs at Thornton Dental Care were replaced for filming purposes while Siobhan Finneran was spotted with Sally Wainwright and another crew member.
Fans watched scenes unfold as Siobhan got into character and made a phone call while cameras rolled.
Series three marked the first time filming of Happy Valley took place in Thornton, but the crew often filmed nearby in places such as Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge.
Baildon was used to shoot some scenes of the first series of Happy Valley.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.
Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk, contact us here or call us on 01274 705292.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel