Virdee: The BBC Crime Drama Filmed in Bradford’s Most Unexpected Spots

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As a dedicated fan, I can hardly contain my excitement about the upcoming BBC crime thriller that’s making its way onto our screens! With an intricate web of plot twists, it seems that Virdee has masterfully crafted a storyline that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, guessing every step of the way.

In a new series, we follow Harry Virdee, portrayed by Staz Nair, who is deeply committed to safeguarding his city of Bradford. However, when a murderer begins to focus on the South Asian community, Harry finds himself pushed to his limits as he tirelessly works to identify and apprehend the killer.

AA Dhand is the creator, writer, and executive producer behind Virdee, a series inspired by his popular novels, primarily City of Sinners, as well as selected excerpts from other works.

As I, too, hail from Bradford, where the city itself becomes a significant character within the series, I chose to adapt my own books for the screen.

While discussing the filming locations for the series, Dhand shared with the BBC, “I chose many of the spots featured in the show as I was eager to highlight my beloved city! I aimed to display the striking difference between the ancient and modern aspects of Bradford.

However, let me share with you the places where the latest BBC crime drama featuring Virdee was shot.

Where did they film Virdee? Here’s a look at the sites used for the new BBC crime series.

Where was Virdee filmed?

Virdee is set and filmed in Bradford.

It’s an excellent opportunity to display the charm of the city in West Yorkshire, England, since it has been chosen as the United Kingdom’s City of Culture for 2025.

In the series, author AA Dhand mentions visiting a large city park filled with grand water fountains, an eye-catching contemporary structure, and a lively atmosphere. Contrasting this is the portrayal of long-abandoned mills and haunting ruins that add a grim backdrop to the storyline.

These mills are steeped in history. About two centuries back, Bradford was one of Europe’s most influential and prosperous cities, known for producing the curtains used in the White House. Although you can witness the fall of that industry within these mills, you also get to see the modern-day Bradford with its City Park and the energetic vibe it exudes.

He explained further, “I carefully selected settings for the story that carried an emotional history, reflecting the events unfolding visually.

For instance, if there was some ominous event unfolding, we’d find ourselves in an old mill, but if it were a joyful occasion, we’d be in either City Park or Lister Park. Indeed, Bradford is a truly enchanting city.

The series was also filmed at a variety of locations, such as Cartwright Hall, Sunbridge Wells’ subterranean passages, Bradford City Hall, and the Khidmat Community Center. Additionally, numerous streets and residences served as backdrops for different scenes.

In an interview, actor Staz Nair shared that one of his favorite filming spots for the series was the city streets of Bradford. Specifically, he mentioned that it was during this location where his character Harry first interacted with a local drug dealer to obtain information about someone’s whereabouts.

While shooting in a secluded alleyway, a kind stranger approached us and invited us to share some tea. The unexpected generosity was delightful! Similarly, during our stay at Saima’s father’s home, the host prepared meals for us. In the Virdee residence, I shared a heartfelt conversation with the owner.

In a delightful manner, Bradford made everyone feel included. The enthusiasm was palpable as everyone wanted to join in and grasp the situation clearly. I believe this level of inspiration encouraged us all to consistently pour our hearts into it.

Aysha Kala, who portrays Saima, expressed that the cast received a genuinely warm reception from Bradford: “We were warmly welcomed indeed! The atmosphere during filming in Bradford was electrifying, and whenever we were out and about, people would always show interest in our work.

During our shoots at Bradford City Park, there was a constant stream of people stopping by, curious about what we were filming and eagerly inquiring when it would air. The energy surrounding it was electrifying. Since Bradford plays a significant role in the show, I truly hope our portrayal does it proud!

Among all the places we filmed, my heart always skipped a beat for Saima’s father’s house. The people there were nothing short of exceptional; their warmth and kindness made every day on set feel less like work and more like a cozy gathering. They shared tea with us, kept our spirits high in their living room, and the conversations we had were priceless treasures. It truly felt like an extension of home, not just a filming location. Simply delightful!

As a local from Bradford, Danyal Ismail (DS Amin) expressed to the BBC that he’s long desired the show to positively represent his hometown. Watching the series and observing Bradford depicted within it is likely to give people an understanding of the city beyond its reputation.

I’d love to showcase Bradford’s unique blend of diversity. You have contemporary buildings and luxury cars standing next to 18th-century mills, or picturesque cobblestone streets just a stone’s throw away from expansive moorland. It’s all within the same area, and it fills me with pride to see this city depicted on screen.

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2025-02-10 19:06