Croydon sets scene for new drama

2:58pm Thursday 24th January 2002

Some of Croydon's well-known landmarks are receiving prime-time television coverage after being used as a backdrop for Carlton TV's new drama Footballers' Wives.

Dramatic scenes in the latest episode of the series included the glamour model Chardonnay (Susie Amy) staging a hen night at an exclusive country restaurant. The shocking moment when a floral garland round her neck was set ablaze by a pestering lout - ruining her impending wedding day and possibly wrecking her page three girl career - was filmed on the impressive winding stairway at Addington Palace.

The raunchy girls' night out included more scenes shot at the historic venue in Gravel Hill. The Morning Room and an elaborate dining room setting were also featured.

The elegant furnishings and character of Addington Palace gave Shed Productions the ideal atmosphere to portray a restaurant patronised by the very rich and famous. Made for Carlton TV and screened by ITV1, Footballers' Wives has used other locations in the borough.

Chipstead FC has become the fictitious Earls Park FC, the pivotal club in the eight-part drama series.

Palatial residences on the Webb Estate, Purley have been filmed as the backdrop for the superstar players and their designer-mad wives. Their homes are just more than a touch in keeping with Posh and Becks.

In future episodes of this gritty and glamorous drama you can look out for scenes filmed in The Whitgift shopping centre and around Croydon town centre.