WEST Dorset-set crime drama Broadchurch has been named the best television programme of the year.

The ITV smash hit, which was filmed in West Bay and penned by Bridport writer and producer Chris Chibnall, has been named the best TV show of 2013 by Radio Times critics.

Starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, it follows the story of a police investigation into the murder of a schoolboy in a small seaside town.

The series was the most talked-about drama of the year and a peak audience of 9.3 million tuned into the final episode which finally revealed who killed Danny Latimer.

Broadchurch has won numerous awards.

The series has been screened all over the world and a US version is planned, with David Tennant reprising his role as DI Alec Hardy.

The 'Broadchurch effect' brought visitors in their droves to West Bay and Bridport after the show featured the dramatic west Dorset coastline.

A second series is to be filmed in 2014.

Chris Chibnall, revealed in November that cameras may return to West Bay for the second series which he is writing. Mr Chibnall gave a tantalising hint that he had not forsaken the area.

He said: “We haven't said anything about what we are doing in Broadchurch 2 yet, so I can't confirm or deny anything.

“But I am a local boy and have been for ten years now and one of the reasons I wrote Broadchurch was that it is a love letter to the area.”

Broadchurch tops the list of 40 programmes in the poll.

The drama beat French chiller The Returned, The Great British Bake Off, Jane Campion drama Top of the Lake, as well as Homeland, Toast of London and US cult mega-hit Breaking Bad, the only show not to have been screened in full on British TV to make the top ten.

Tim Glanfield, editor of radiotimes.com and digital products, said: “Broadchurch drew the nation into a collective hysteria every Monday night for eight weeks, as who killed Danny Latimer became the talking point in the press, pubs, front rooms and factories up and down the country.

“A brilliant piece of homegrown drama with an exquisite cast of actors, Broadchurch is a fantastic example of British TV at its very best.”