Broadchurch series 2: Chris Chibnall hints shooting could begin in May

The scriptwriter also defended the 'experimental' US remake Gracepoint

Shooting for the second series of Broadchurch is set to begin later this month, creator Chris Chibnall has hinted.

The English writer kept details hushed on the Baftas red carpet last Sunday, but confirmed his mind is firmly on the next run of the hit ITV crime drama.

“My main focus is on Broadchurch two, really, to be honest,” he said, after defending the “experimental” US remake, Gracepoint, from its critics.

Fans have raised concerns over the near identical look of scenes shown in the first trailer. But Chibnall insists the team has done a “really incredible” job that will not disappoint viewers.

“The original show didn’t air to a large number of people at all in America,” he told Radio Times. “The (US) offer was there so Gracepoint seemed like an interesting thing to be a part of.

“I’ve come from theatre and you have different productions of a text in theatre. It’s not unusual. I find it surprising that people find it surprising, actually.”

David Tennant is the only Broadchurch cast member to fly across the pond for Gracepoint, with Olivia Colman replaced by Breaking Bad’s Anna Holt.

Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan, Danny’s parents in Broadchurch, joked at that they had all been “upgraded for much bigger stars” state-side.

The original ITV crime drama, about the hunt for 11-year-old Danny Latimer’s murderer, won Best Drama Series at the Baftas on Sunday night.

Colman picked up the Best Actress award for her lead role as DS Ellie Miller, who was left devastated when her own husband Joe was revealed as the killer in a tense finale.

David Bradley, who played vilified sea cadet leader Jack Marshall, was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his harrowing performance.

“I’m in shock. I didn’t expect that at all. I came here very pessimistic tonight and I’m completely blown away,” Chibnall said of Broadchurch’s hat-trick.

Charlotte Rampling is set to join Broadchurch series two in what Chibnall has described as a “really central” role and, he hinted, “there are more names to come”.