The waiting is almost over - tonight the mystery of who killed Danny Latimer is solved as the final episode of West Dorset-based Broadchurch hits the small screen.

Fans of the ITV drama series - dubbed "Broadies" - are beside themselves with curiosity to discover the answers to the whodunnit that has gripped the nation and shown off West Bay to nine million viewers a week.

Tonight’s blockbuster final episode hits the screen at 9pm after seven gripping episodes probing the murder of a young boy on Broadchurch beach.

Many of the scenes were shot at West Bay with its picturesque cliffs, beach and harbourside used as backdrops.

The Ellipse Caffe at West Bay and the Bull Hotel in Bridport town centre are both screening the final episode tonight.

The major stars – including David Tennant and Olivia Colman – stayed at the Bull Hotel in East Street.

Owners Richard and Nikki Cooper were delighted to have the actors use the hotel, its bars and restaurant as their base.

Richard said: “They did lots of rehearsals and read-throughs in our Venner Bar.

“They frequented it for quite a while.

“It was a great atmosphere at the hotel. They were all very nice people.”

Actor Joe Sims, who plays plumber Nigel Carter, said that the cast and crew used the Bull as the hub to meet up in town.

Richard said that many people had asked him if the hotel in Broadchurch, the Traders, was based on the Bull. He said it did seem to be designed with the Bull in mind but that he had not yet asked Bridport-based writer Chris Chibnall about it.

Richard said that the Bull had been inundated with inquiries since Broadchurch hit the screens.

He said: “Broadchurch has been brilliant for Bridport.

“The Bridport crowd are very supportive of things like that.

“It is an incredibly good thing for the whole area.

“I think the countryside looks beautiful. There are nothing but positives here.”

The Bull will screen the final episode of Broadchurch in the Hayloft at its Stables restaurant with all welcome.

Richard said: “It is amazing to see all of the excitement on Twitter and Facebook.”

The Ellipse Caffe at West Bay is holding a murder mystery night to mark the final episode tonight.

The charity dinner, dubbed the Last Supper, is being held in aid of the Julia’s House children’s hospice.

Some scenes in Broadchurch were filmed in the cafe itself on the seafront.

The Broadchurch Police station was located just behind the Italian cafe bistro as well.