A NEW BBC drama has begun filming, set in a ­fictional town that will look very familiar to South Hams residents.

The Coroner, featuring Casualty stars Claire Goose and Matt Bardock, will air on BBC One during the daytime next year.

It is set in Lighthaven, which is closely based on Salcombe, and the series will be filmed throughout the South Hams from mid-April onwards.

Camera crews have already been spotted in ­various locations.

Claire Goose stars as Jane, a high-flying solicitor, who after yet another failed relationship returns to the small seaside town she escaped as a teenager to take up the post of coroner.

But Jane finds herself forced to work with Davey, the boy who broke her heart, who is now the local detective sergeant, as she investigates sudden, violent or unexplained deaths.

Claire Goose said: 'I'm incredibly excited and proud to be working on this new drama.

'I can't wait to be in Devon over the next few months – it's such a beautiful place, even more so at this time of the year.'

Will Trotter, head of daytime drama and executive producer of The Coroner, said: 'We've created a real gem of a drama series with The Coroner. I'm thrilled that Claire and Matt are leading the cast. I just hope viewers share my enthusiasm for the drama and it becomes an appointment to view for them.'

Liam Keelan of BBC Worldwide said: 'BBC Birmingham has a great track record in producing quality returnable drama, such as Father Brown and Land Girls.

'With the writing talent of Sally Abbott and a great on-screen cast, including Claire Goose, The Coroner is a very exciting prospect for BBC Worldwide to help realise.'