Hit Cornish Drama Playing Nice Returns to ITV This Weekend
Cornish Landscapes Take Centre Stage in Hit ITV Thriller
For those of us who call the rugged cliffs and sandy shores of Cornwall home, seeing our familiar coastlines on prime-time television is always a proud moment. The return of ITV's gripping thriller Playing Nice to our screens this weekend offers another chance to spot some of our most beloved local landmarks. Starring James Norton and Niamh Algar, the tense four-part drama was filmed extensively across our region in late 2023, turning quiet coastal spots into the backdrop for a high-stakes psychological battle. Key locations like the dramatic cliffs at Park Head and the golden sands of Mawgan Porth beach play starring roles, capturing the raw beauty that defines our coastline. For local residents, these aren't just scenic backdrops; they are the places we walk our dogs, watch the sunset, and raise our families. The production also ventured close to our bustling coastal hubs, prompting many viewers to go to Newquay and explore the surrounding beaches that make this stretch of North Cornwall so iconic. Seeing St Ives and Padstow framed so beautifully on screen reminds us why these historic fishing ports remain the beating heart of our community.
A Welcome Boost for Local Businesses and Hospitality
The economic impact of a major television production filming on our doorstep cannot be understated. When the cast and crew of Playing Nice descended upon Cornwall during the quieter month of November 2023, it provided an immediate lifeline to local independent businesses. From boutique hotels in Padstow hosting the crew to catering companies sourcing fresh ingredients from Cornish farms, the financial benefits trickled down through our entire community ecosystem. Local holiday let owners, cafes, and transport providers all reported a welcome surge in off-season activity. Independent traders in nearby St Ives also felt the positive ripple effect, proving that the creative industries are a vital driver for our seasonal economy. It is not just about the immediate filming window, either. The phenomenon of ‘screen tourism' continues to draw fans of the show to our shores long after the cameras stop rolling. When viewers watch James Norton navigate the tense plot twists against the dramatic backdrop of Mawgan Porth, they are inspired to book their own Cornish getaways, sustaining our tourism sector and supporting local livelihoods well into the future.
What to Watch Next and How Locals Can Get Involved
As Playing Nice prepares to return to ITV3 this Sunday, April 26 at 11:50 pm, local residents have the perfect excuse to settle in and spot familiar locations. While the late-night broadcast might mean setting the recorder for some, the entire four-part series remains available to stream on ITVX, where it previously broke records as the platform’s most successful drama launch. Beyond the thrill of seeing our hometowns on screen, this rebroadcast serves as a timely reminder of the growing prominence of Cornwall in the UK film and television industry. Local parish councils and community groups are increasingly working alongside film commissions to ensure future productions respect our environment while maximizing local employment opportunities. Residents can get involved by attending upcoming community consultations regarding local filming permissions or even registering their properties as potential filming locations. As we look ahead to a busy summer season, keeping our beaches clean and welcoming visitors who have been inspired by the show ensures that Cornwall remains a premier destination for both holidaymakers and filmmakers alike.
Source: ‘Edge of your seat' drama filmed in Cornwall returns to screen this weekend
