Bradford is star of new BBC TV thriller Virdee
BBCA new BBC drama series which has just hit our TV screens will have left anyone who has been to Bradford recently feeling more than a little sense of recognition.
Virdee, a six-part crime thriller set in the 2025 City of Culture began last Monday, with plenty of local landmarks starring as backdrops to the on-screen action.
The series is based on books by AA Dhand, who grew up in Bradford and was keen to make sure everyone knew about what made his home city tick.
From historic buildings to popular boozers, the makers of Virdee ensured viewers got a real sense of place in the first episode - with more to follow in the coming weeks.
Bradford's Victorian City Hall played a big part as the action began to unfold, unsurprising really as it still towers over the city centre.
The Grade I listed building was designed by local architects Lockwood and Mawson and opened as Bradford Town Hall in 1873.
Perhaps one of the most memorable shots in Virdee is when its main protagonist, Det Ch Insp Harry Virdee - played by Staz Nair - and Saima Hyatt-Virdee - played by Aysha Kala - face City Hall and the landmark mirror pool in City Park.
The mirror pool is said to be the largest urban water feature in the UK and at night can be transformed into an illuminated light, laser and water display.
Meanwhile, just a turn of the head away, the more modern side of Bradford can be seen.
In the TV series, Kala is seen with the mirror pool in front of her and Starbucks, Wetherspoons and Nando's behind her.
Perhaps not quite as romantic as the Victorian architecture so prominent in Bradford, but in 2025 they are nonetheless a long established part of the city centre.
Also featured in Virdee are several other locations which will be familiar to anyone who spends time in and around Bradford city centre.
One of those is Sunbridge Wells, an underground tunnel complex with restaurants, cafes and shops.
The tunnels were previously used as prison cells and as an air raid shelter during World War Two.
Harry Hall, its present-day owner, said it was "really exciting for us to be shown on the BBC and be a part of this drama to basically show Bradford off".
"A lot of people hear what Bradford's like, but to actually see our complex being shown in a positive light is a massive achievement for us," he said.
"I think it's really important people see the beautiful buildings we have and then they can come and see for themselves what Bradford's about."
Another setting for action in Virdee is the City Vaults pub, a former bank that has been serving beer in Bradford for more than 30 years now.
The pub, opposite the Grade I Wool Exchange building, features Art Deco glass and wrought ironwork, including a spiral staircase.
Richard Cullen, head of marketing for City Vaults, said seeing it star as a location on a primetime TV drama was "absolutely fantastic".
"It's great to be showcased in such a prominent BBC drama and we're really excited that we were one of the venues actually chosen," he said.
"It's a good showcase to what the City Vaults is."
Before the first episode was aired, AA Dhand said he wanted to "show off" his home in its UK City of Culture year.
Dhand said it was "vital" local people were used to make the production, with his choice of filming locations coming from a desire to "show the contrast between old and new Bradford".
The writer, who is the show's executive producer, said viewers would see places showing the decline of Bradford's mill industry along with the city's "fresh, colourful and vibrant" modern features.
"Bradford is a really beautiful city," he said.
Virdee airs on BBC One at 21:00 GMT on Mondays and every episode is available on BBC iPlayer now.
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