Corsham Businesses Express Hope for Second TV Series

Residents and business owners in the Wiltshire town, which served as the filming location for the television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel *Rivals*, are expressing hopes for a subsequent series. Several local businesses in Corsham, including the butchers, a bike shop, and newsagents, appeared in the recent Disney Plus adaptation of the book. These establishments reported positive impacts from the “bustling” environment generated by the production’s cast and crew. Sharon Thomas, representing Wiltshire Council, commented that such productions significantly benefit the local economy. Toby Haynes, proprietor of the local butchers, described his involvement in the show as “exciting” and expressed a desire for his shop to be included in future productions. He stated, “It was very hectic.” Haynes further elaborated, “There was lots going on, lots of milling about and cameras. It was really quite exciting.” He added, “I would be up for my butchers being in the production again.” Matt Booker, who operates Corsham Toy Shop & Automattic Comics, conveyed that he “really enjoyed” the initial series and the vibrancy it introduced to the community. According to Booker, “Great characters, great cast, really good and well written.” He humorously remarked, “Tongue firmly in cheek, I don’t think everyone had shoulder pads like that in the 80s and taches as dodgy as Danny Dyers but it was entertaining – a good, fun entertaining comedy of cut-throat entertainment business in the 1980s.” Booker concluded, “There was a bustling crew filming in Corsham – it was really nice to see. Bring me some more.” Sharon Thomas, a councillor for Corsham Town Hall, noted that the town’s presence in the series was “in it a little bit more than expected, which was great.” She further explained, “[In the show] Corsham is Colchester which is the nearest town where it takes place and the old Lloyds Bank building, which is now being converted into a hotel, that was their town hall.” Thomas mentioned, “We get a call or letter from production companies who want to film here and we’ve had a few since Poldark.” She emphasized, “Our local businesses understand the difference filming here can make.” Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.