School hosts TV film crew

by Tracey Bates and Sarah Speers

Do the names Paul Abbott and Frank Cottrell Boyce ring any bells? No? Well both have worked as writers on the world-famous "Coronation Street", while more recently Abbott has written and produced episodes of "Cracker".

Now, though, the two have combined to bring us "Springhill", a Granada production for BSkyB which stars Gilly Coman (Aveline of "Bread") and which will be on the screens around May.

While the indoor scenes were shot at Granada studios in Manchester, film crews took to the leafy streets of Maghull and the classrooms and corridors of Bootle High School for the location shots.

The pupils of Bootle High were thrilled to get the chance to contribute to the TV drama, and many of them starred as extras during the filming.

Frank Cottrell Boyce explains a bit about the series: "We wanted a name that would reflect optimism. It is a domestic drama and surrounded by a very strange tale."

"It is about the effect one incident has on the lives of a large Catholic family - the Freemans - living on the Springhill estate".

Among the other stars of the show are Kevin Knapman, Scott Williams, Paul Culshaw and local actress Christine Tremarco, who will be featured in an interview in the next issue of Netherton Now.

Spring Hill Image

Christine (centre) pictured with young reporters Sarah (left) and Tracey
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