Julie Hesmondhalgh joins the cast of Broadchurch

Former Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh has joined the cast of ITV’s Broadchurch.

The actress, best known for her portrayal of Hayley Cropper in the soap, will be joined by other new faces including Georgina Campbell, Sarah Parish, Charlie Higson and Mark Bazeley, who ITV bosses say will have “significant roles” in the new eight-part series.

They will star alongside David Tennant and Olivia Coleman in the third and final series of the popular drama. The pair will reprise their roles as DI Alec Hardy and DS Ellie Miller, with Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan returning to play Beth and Mark Latimer. Arthur Darvill also returns as Vicar Paul Coates, Carolyn Pickles as newspaper editor Maggie Radcliffe and Adam Wilson as Ellie’s son Tom.

Talking about the final series of Broadchurch, ITV said: “The series explores the consequences of a serious sexual assault as a Dorset community comes under the scrutiny of Hardy and Miller’s investigation. Based on a year of research with Dorset-based organisations who specialise in dealing with victims of sexual assault, and police advisors who specialise in investigating crimes of sexual violence, Broadchurch’s final chapter looks at the emotional cost to all of those involved and the irreparable damage to friendships and relationships.”

Executive Producer Chris Chibnall added: “This is the final chapter of Broadchurch. We have one last story to tell, featuring both familiar faces and new characters. I hope it’s a compelling and emotional farewell to a world and show that means so much to me.”

Filming is due to commence in the summer in Bridport, West Bay and Clevedon, which have featured as locations in the previous series’. The final series is expected to air in 2017.

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