BROADCHURCH creator Chris Chibnall put himself under the spotlight at the relaunch of a Bridport charity store.

The writer and executive producer of the smash-hit ITV crime drama cut the ribbon for the Cancer Research UK store on East Street on Monday to mark its reopening.

Store manager Pat Blake said refurbishments, which took a week, has made the shop much brighter and roomier.

She added that the store is now in its 26th year and has raised a total of £2.3million for Cancer Research UK.

Mr Chibnall, who lives in Bridport, said he often brings unwanted items into the store and described the new look as ‘marvellous, bigger, better and brighter’.

He added: “Cancer Research UK does excellent work and like many other people I am sure, the charity is one close to my heart because cancer has affected my family and friends.

“The fact that the charity has a store in Bridport I think is also important for the local area.

“The new store looks terrific and I was glad to be asked to help with the relaunch.”

Mrs Blake said she knew Chris was a supporter of the work of the charity, so asked him if he could attend and he agreed.

She added: “Chris being here for the relaunch been fantastic for the store but also very exciting.

“Broadchurch has been brilliant for Bridport as a whole so a guest like Chris makes an impact on the residents here.”

Volunteer George Bower, 21, has been working at the Bridport store for six weeks and was there for the relaunch.

He said: “The store appears a lot bigger, brighter and overall welcoming with a great new atmosphere. It’s also cool that we were able to have such a well-known name in Bridport here for the opening.”

 

  • SMASH-hit ITV crime drama Broadchurch has been shortlisted in three more categories for this year's Bafta awards.

The show, created by Bridport-based write Chris Chibnall, was nominated in the Best Drama Series program, and will go up against My Mad Fat Diary, Top of the Lake and The Village.

Olivia Colman has been nominated in the Best Actress Category for her performance as DS Ellie Miller.
Colman, who won two Baftas at last year's event, will go up against Helena Bonham Carter from Burton and Taylor, Kerrie Hayes from The Mill and Maxine Peake from The Village for the coveted award. David Bradley has been shortlisted in the Best Supporting Actor category, and will go up against Jerome Flynn from Ripper Street, Nico Mirallegro from the Village and Rory Kinnear from Southcliffe.
The show's legion of fans will also be able to get their voices heard, as Broadchurch has also been nominated in the Radio Times Audience Award.

In the only category the public can vote for, Broadchurch will go up against some of television's biggest-hitters such as Gogglebox, Breaking Bad, Educating Yorkshire, The Great British Bake off and Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor.