EXCITEMENT is heating up as more pictures emerge of the latest blockbuster to be filmed in Dorset.

Ammonite, the story of fossil hunter Mary Anning, is being filmed in and around Lyme Regis and stars Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, as well as Saoirse Ronan, who is no stranger to the Jurassic Coast, having played one of the lead roles in the adaptation of Ian McEwen’s On Chesil Beach released in 2017.

The leading ladies were spotted filming in Lyme Regis on Monday, and again at Eype beach on Thursday and at Charmouth on Friday.

While filming at Eype, Saoirse reportedly had to be rescued by a crew member after a huge wave knocked her off her feet.

Clad in a black, Victorian-style dress and bonnet, the 24-year-old portrays Frances Bell, with whom Kate Winslet’s Anning has a fictitious relationship.

Fiona Shaw, of Killing Eve and Harry Potter, also appears in the film.

The film, developed by See-Saw Films, the British Film Institute and BBC Films, has been written and directed by Francis Lee.

Its plot has received mixed reaction, with some trepidation the focus on Anning’s relationships will override her scientific achievements and others praising the exploration of her sexuality.

Filming for Ammonite will take place in Coombe Street from March 27 to 29 and there will be some closures to traffic and pedestrians which may cause disruption. On Wednesday, March 27, the road will be closed to traffic while the set is prepared for health and safety reasons, but access to residents and businesses will be retained. On Thursday, March 28, there will be full closure to both traffic and pedestrians. while filming is underway, however, access will be retained for residents and business owners of the street. On Friday, March 29, Coombe Street will be closed to road traffic for health and safety reasons while the filming team and crew re-instate the set.