‘Cold Feet’ and ‘The A Word’ return to Manchester’s expanding stage complex

Series 7 of ITV’s ‘Cold Feet’ from Big Talk Productions and the BBC’s ‘The A Word’ from Fifty Fathoms and Keshet return to the UK’s newest purpose built production stages at Space Studios Manchester.

Space Studios Manchester is delighted to announce the return of ITV’s hit comedy drama ‘Cold Feet’ and the BBC’s acclaimed drama ‘The A Word’.

‘Cold Feet’ from Big Talk Productions for ITV saw a hugely successful return in 2016 after a 13 year break and was swiftly re- commissioned for series 7. Cold Feet have taken over one of the five purpose built stages as well as using onsite offices, workshops, unit base parking and bespoke support facilities. Cold Feet series 7 will air on ITV in the Autumn.

Filming in Space 04 at Space Studios Manchester is Peter Bowker’s ‘The A Word’ from Fifty Fathoms (makers of Sky Atlantic’s ‘Fortitude’) and Keshet for the BBC. Series 1 won critical acclaim and regularly had more than 4 million viewers in overnight figures.

Newly installed CEO of MCDA, Adrian Bleasdale, (Manchester Creative Digital Assets group) which includes facilities at Space Studios Manchester, The Sharp Project, One Central Park) said, “We are extremely proud that these hit UK dramas are returning to Space Studios Manchester. Manchester has long been the capital of drama and large-scale content projection, Space Studios Manchester is ensuring it not only remains a key production destination but also meets the growing demand. I am delighted to leading the team as Space Studios Manchester expansion begins and continues it’s success.”

Marcus Wilson, Executive Producer, The A Word said, “The A Word is delighted to be returning home to Space Studios Manchester. Dean and his team were a fantastic support through our first series, and it was never in question we’d want to come back for our second run. It’s fantastic that drama production and talent in the north of England is being supported by investment in cutting edge facilities like this.”

Since it’s opening in late 2014 Manchester stage complex has become home to the production of some of the most cutting edge and successful dramas and comedies in the UK; including for Channel 4, ‘No Offence‘, BBC Two’s transgender comedy ‘Boy Meets Girl’, ‘Cradle to Grave’, BBC Two’s highest rating original drama of 2015, and the BBC’s flagship entertainment series, ‘Dragon’s Den’. ITV’s ‘Coronation Street’ has used the largest stages for spectacular stunt scenes.

Located 5 minutes from the city cente, near the grounds of Manchester City Football Club, the complex is currently undergoing a £14m expansion, which will see the TV and film studios double in size, with a stand alone 30,000 square foot sound stage , a further 50,000 square feet of new buildings built for production and supply chain companies , and is due to be operational in Autumn 2017.

The expanded site is expected to create 275 jobs and boost the local economy by nearly £10 million a year.