Channel 5 drama filmed in Consett will have North East premiere

Forever Home, based on Graham Norton’s bestselling novel, will be screened at Tyneside Cinema on Friday, September 4, ahead of its television debut.

The six-part drama was filmed mainly in Northumberland earlier this year, with County Durham town Consett also used as a location.

Film crews were spotted in the town in January as production got under way.

It is not yet known which cast or crew members will attend the Newcastle screening, but the line-up includes Geordie actor Denise Welch, former Emmerdale star and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Lewis Cope, Shetland actor Douglas Henshall, Amy Nuttall and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet favourite Kevin Whately.

(Image: NQ)

What is Forever Home about?

The drama follows Carol Crottie, played by Amy Nuttall, whose relationship with older partner Robert Barrie becomes increasingly difficult as his dementia worsens.

Robert is played by Douglas Henshall, while Welch takes the role of Carol’s mother, Moira Crottie.

Lewis Cope plays Robert’s son Kaden and Heartstopper actor Jenny Walser portrays his daughter Sally.

Kevin Whately appears as Silent Dave.

The story centres on Carol’s growing suspicion that Robert’s reluctance to leave his home may be connected to the disappearance of his first wife, who vanished 20 years earlier with Robert’s brother, leaving behind young children Kaden and Sally.

As the mystery unravels, Carol discovers a body concealed in the basement, turning what begins as a later-life relationship drama into a dark family thriller.

(Image: BBC/BBC Studios))

Consett’s role in new drama

The Channel 5 series gives Consett another screen connection, with scenes filmed in the town as part of a wider North East production.

When the drama was announced, Norton said the original novel had started with the idea of the complications involved in packing up a home later in life.

He said: “The novel soon evolved into a funny, twisted, ‘dark-romp’ full of farcical scenes and it’s wonderful to see the depth and richness of Carol’s story realised as a screenplay.”

The production was supported by the North East Production Fund and North East Screen.

Filming also took place in locations including Stocksfield and Hexham.