Helena Bonham Carter and Bill Nighy headline the cast of the new BBC drama California Avenue, a gripping 1970s series created by Hugo Blick. The ensemble also includes Erin Doherty, Tom Burke, and Kate Robbins.
Plot and Setting
Set in a serene canal-side caravan park nestled in the English countryside, the story centers on Lela (Erin Doherty) and her 11-year-old child, who arrive seeking refuge while on the run. Their presence shatters the tranquility, bringing a fractured family together, laying old ghosts to rest, and sparking an unforeseen romance.
Bill Nighy, 76, portrays Jerry, while Helena Bonham Carter, 59, plays Eddie, Lela’s parents.
Filming Highlights
In September 2025, Erin Doherty, 33, transformed into her character during on-location shooting. She donned a blonde wig with a blunt fringe, smoky blue eyeshadow, and a psychedelic blue-and-green maxidress paired with a denim trenchcoat and paisley scarf.
Doherty filmed intense scenes alongside a young actor dressed as an astronaut, portraying her son. She appeared panicked, scolding the child before pausing to review her script.
Despite her prior role as Princess Anne in The Crown, Doherty’s 1970s look marked a stark departure.
Creator Insights
Hugo Blick, writer, director, and executive producer, shared: “Over the past few decades, whether through comedy, political dramas or even a western, I’ve looked to explore what television fiction can be. California Avenue is an exploration of the people who inspired me to want to do this.”
Executive producer Greg Brenman of Drama Republic added: “In California Avenue, Hugo has conjured a world of precious relationships and unexpected revelations, all delivered with a big, big heart and generous humour. If you ever needed reminding of Hugo’s incredible range as a storyteller, look no further.”
Father Brown Secures Two More Seasons
The BBC has renewed the beloved daytime drama Father Brown for series 14 and 15, following 13 successful seasons since its 2013 debut. Mark Williams stars as the crime-solving priest, inspired by G.K. Chesterton’s stories.
Filming for series 14 began in early April. Williams, 66, noted: “We started filming series 14 of Father Brown in the first week of April, and while it’s always a wrench to leave my garden at home when it’s just burgeoning, the Cotswold countryside makes up for it. The trees are wearing their Swank-coats of blossom: Hawthorn, Apple, Pear and Blackthorn, and the splendid white and pink Cherries. There are lots of Magnolias too, looking like enormous wedding bouquets, and all the trees are coming into leaf. I love the Horse Chestnut leaves still drooping, not yet plumped up. The grass looks worthy of the Salad Bowl, and the arable fields are greening. If you are not careful, you could come over all poetic, but we’ve got 10 shows to make – no time for versifying. Cassock on, let the sleuthing begin.”
Series 14 synopsis: Father Brown and his team tackle murders and mysteries in 1955 Kembleford, involving magicians, avant-garde artists, and deadly spiders. Father Lazarus (Lex Shrapnel), the priest’s arch-nemesis, escapes prison seeking revenge, building to a thrilling finale.
Returning cast includes Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as Mrs. Isabel Sullivan, and John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow.
