Filming has started on the BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Daytime, and BritBox International drama Hope Street, and in series four there is a new Police Inspector taking charge in Port Devine.
Date Posted: April 23, 2024
Set in the fictional town of Port Devine on the Northern Ireland coast, the police department is moving to new headquarters, and Derry Girls star Tara Lynne O’Neill is among the new names joining the cast this series alongside Marcus Onilude (Ted Lasso).
Tara Lynne plays new Police Inspector Eve Dunlop, a character who left Port Devine many years ago and has now returned with her family to build bridges and to investigate a mysterious disappearance.
Tara Lynne O’Neill says: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Hope Street and cannot wait to work by the sea. Port Devine watch out!”
Filmed in and around County Down’s seaside town of Donaghadee, Hope Street has proven to be popular with fans across the UK, the US and beyond. Returning for this eight-part series are Kerri Quinn (Marlene Pettigrew), Niall Wright (Callum McCarthy), Aaron McCusker (Clint Dunwoody), Niamh McGrady (Nicole Devine), Finnian Garbutt (Ryan Power), Des McAleer (Barry Pettigrew), Rachel Tucker (Siobhan O’Hare) and Karen Hassan (Jo Lipton). Other new additions to the Hope Street cast will be announced soon.
Hope Street celebrates local writing, acting and production talent from Northern Ireland, and demonstrates the BBC’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and storytelling in its nations and regions.
Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, says: “It’s great to be back in Donaghadee, filming a fourth series of Hope Street and this time round we are welcoming a new family to Port Devine.
“I think Hope Street captures the humour and warmth of the people here and I’m really looking forward to Tara-Lynne O’Neill, along with some other new faces, joining the cast.
“We are grateful for the continued support of BBC Daytime, Northern Ireland Screen and BritBox International which makes this all possible.”
Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor, BBC Daytime, says: “I’m thrilled that we’ll be bringing the beautiful backdrop of Northern Ireland back for another series of Hope Street. Fans of the series will be delighted to see well-loved characters returning along with some new faces. With a brilliant mix of drama and crime solving, it’s all going on in Port Devine!”
Jess O’Riordan, Commissioning Executive, BritBox International, says: ““We’re delighted to be working with BBC and Long Story again on a fourth instalment of Hope Street.
“BritBox fans of the show will be thrilled to return to stunning Port Devine for more crime solving and gripping storytelling set against the backdrop of that beautiful scenery we’ve all come to know and love.”
Behind the drama are acclaimed producers Paul Marquess and Donna Wiffen from Long Story TV, known for producing London Kills and The Light in The Hall. They will be joined by co-creator Susanne Farrell (Dirty God) and Producer John Fox. Writers on this new series are Paul Marquess (co-creator), Jessica Lea (EastEnders), Stuart Drennan (The Dig), Greer Ellison (Butterfly Kisses), Karis Kelly (Consumed), Lisa McMullin (Death In Paradise), Paul Williams (Doctors) and Brian McGilloway (Benedict Devlin Mysteries).
Paul Marquess, from Long Story TV and one of the show’s creators and producers, says: “It’s all change in Port Devine as we return for series four of Hope Street – with a new Police Inspector and a new Police Station. What hasn’t changed is Hope Street’s unique mix of crime stories and warm character-led drama. We love making Hope Street – and we’re delighted it’s being enjoyed by audiences in Northern Ireland, the UK and all over the world.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, says: “Thank you to Paul and Donna at Long Story for once again taking us back to Port Devine. Season four looks like it will be heartwarming and funnier than ever with a familiar but expanded cast that audiences at home and abroad will want to spend time with.
“While it’s all about delivering for the audiences, I applaud the contribution Hope Street makes to the overall screen industry in Northern Ireland, offering incredible opportunities both in front of and behind the camera. I’d also like to thank Britbox and the BBC for their ongoing support. Hurrah for Donaghadee.”
The fourth series has been commissioned as part of the partnership between the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen which continues to support the local screen industry, ensuring Northern Ireland is better represented to audiences across the UK and internationally. Abacus Media Rights are handling international sales for the series.
Filming on Hope Street series four begins in April 2024 and series three is broadcasting now on Fridays at 1.45pm on BBC One.
Series one, two and three are also available to watch now in full on BBC iPlayer, and on BritBox in its international markets.
