FILMING for BBC comedy series Blandings at Crom Castle is underway and there have been some high-profile additions to the cast announced, with more to come.
Joining the cast to film guest cameos include well known actor and comedian Harry Enfield, actress Zoe Boyle from Downton Abbey and well known actress Celia Imrie previously of Bergerac and Dinner ladies.
Also set to make appearances in the seven-episode second series are; Michael Brandon (Episodes), Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing), John Sessions (Just William), Mathew Baynton (The Wrong Mans), Daisy Beaumont (You, Me and Them), Nichola McAuliffe (Surgical Spirit) and Jemima Rooper (Atlantis).
Noel Johnston, manager at Crom Castle reported that filming is going ‘very, very well’ with Harry Enfield, who arrived on Monday, a particular coup.
“Everyone is very happy. Everything seems better, but I supose that’s from experience.
“There are no delays, we’re flying through it, which is great as time is a big factor, we have seven episodes here to be shot in six weeks.
“To have Harry Enfield is fantastic, he’s a big pull, but all of those who are making guest appearances are fairly established actors.”
Noel also revealed yet more stars are to grace Fermanagh shores in the coming weeks.
“I think it could even be an improvement on last year, even with the likes of David Walliams. There’s going to be a few shock surprises so watch this space.”
The new cast and crew members have taken to Fermanagh like a duck to water explained Noel.
“They think it’s absolutely fantastic, they love it, genuinely, because it is all so convenient for them, working and being able to live in the castle.
“When Nicola McAuliffe got a break from filming she walked the grounds of Crom and was blown away by the whole place.
“Another cast member Michael Baynton goes back and forth to Los Angeles and is talking about Fermanagh over there, it’s something you can’t make up, it is genuine interest in our county being generated.”
An average day of filming can run from 7am through to 7.45pm and 60-70 members of the cast and crew are working hard to ensure everything is on schedule and complete within the six week period.
Noel is optimistic about the new season under director Mandie Fletcher and feels the exposure in general is a massive boost to the area as a whole.
“The bed space being used is fantastic for the local people and if the show wasn’t here, those beds would not be in use, it’s as simple as that.
“It has a knock-on effect on local business too with fuel suppliers such as Lakeland fuels, who are helping supply generators on site.
“It is a big thing for Fermanagh, it is not just about Crom, it is about the whole county.”
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