Award-wining Bolton actress Sophie Willan was spotted in her hometown filming the second season of the hit series Alma’s Not Normal.

Production crews were seen with Sophie outside Home Bargains in the town centre, which brought a huge amount of excitement for a fan driving past on Tuesday morning.

Lynne Fisher said: “I got a glimpse of her and the crew outside the Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant.

“I was quite excited because I am a fan of the show and Sophie in particular, and it’s nice that a local lass is filming in the area.”

Following the multiple award-winning first series, which was met with huge critical and audience acclaim, it was confirmed last April that Alma’s Not Normal would return to BBC Two and BBC iPlayer for a second series.

Created, written by, starring and executive produced by Sophie, the show centres on a Boltonian wild-child, Alma Nuthall and her family of eccentric, unruly women and was the creation of Sophie in 2018 when she was inaugural winner of the BBC’s Caroline Aherne Bursary Award.

Sophie said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the show - people seem to really love and relate to the Nuthalls which means a lot, and to get the chance to continue that story is beyond what I could have hoped for.

“That on the back of the awards we’ve received is a bit mind-blowing if I’m honest.

“To be recognised by BAFTA, Broadcast Awards, The Royal Television Society, peers and our audience in such a way is a real honour.

“I’m thrilled to get back in the writing room to see where Alma’s journey takes us next.”

It’s not the first time the show has been filmed in the town.

Sophie came back to Bolton in 2021 during the filming of season 1 in Le Mans Crescent inside Bolton Library and Museum ­— with "Alma Unit" signs posted on lampposts in the crescent.

Jon Petrie, BBC director of comedy commissioning, added: “We couldn’t be prouder to commission the award-winning Alma’s Not Normal for a second series.

“It’s a privilege to work with Sophie and her brilliantly bold and original comedy brain.

“Sophie embodies everything that you can achieve with the unique opportunities BBC Comedy can offer exciting new voices.”

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