A television series that was filmed across Suffolk – and penned by an author who lives in the county – is available to watch from today.

Magpie Murders was filmed in Suffolk in 2021 and written by Anthony Horowitz. It is now available to watch on streaming service Britbox.

The Bell Inn, in Kersey, was renamed The Queens Arms and Ipswich was used as a double for London as part of filming for the series.

Film crews were first spotted in Kersey in April last year with local residents noticing a few changes they had made to the town.

Based on Anthony Horowitz's bestselling novel of the same name, the series will follow editor Susan Ryeland, whose life changes once she receives an unfinished manuscript.

Author Anthony Horowitz is well-known for writing Foyle's War and the children's series Alex Ryder.

He lives in Orford and told this newspaper in 2018 that Magpie Murders was based in the county.

He said: "At least half the book [is] in Orford. It’s Orford by name and Framlingham is in there as well.

"The hotel, The Crown is a setting of the book and one of the main characters lives in Framlingham and it all happens around here."

Originally Timothy Spall was cast in the series but had to pull out due to a scheduling crash and has been replaced by Tim McMullan.

The cast includes Lesley Manville, Conleth Hill and Daniel Mays.

Suffolk saw its "busiest year to date" for filming last year with 220 filming days recorded in the county.

Television and film production work is providing a huge economic boost for Suffolk running into millions of pounds.

Other productions that were filmed in 2021 include:

  • Along For A Ride - filmed in East Suffolk
  • Downton Abbey 2 - filmed in Belcham St Paul
  • Builds on Wheels - filmed near Ipswich
  • Changing Rooms - filmed in Mildenhall
  • Dance Under Suffolk Skies - filmed at a number of Suffolk parks
  • Walking Tudor Britain - filmed in Framlingham
  • BBC Radio One Big Weekend shoot with Ed Sheeran - filmed in Framlingham
  • Fast Justice - following Suffolk police's sentinel team
  • Tony Robinson's History of Britain
  • A Bit of Light - filmed in Leiston
  • Cold Harbour Lane - filmed in Lavenham