VINNIE Caira was always determined the Halfway House in Royton would get more than its 15 minutes of fame when chosen as a film crew location shoot earlier this year.
And there is double pleasure for Vinnie as the Halfway House’s sister pub, the Duke of York in Heyside also opened its doors to welcome some ‘new’ customers.
Situation comedy The Other One has gone from hopeful pilot in 2017, to a recommissioned mainstream BBC programme, created by Holly Walsh and also written with Pippa Brown.
It stars Ellie White, Lauren Socha, Rebecca Front and Saddleworth-based Siobhan Finneran.
The comedy focuses on two very contrasting mother and daughter pairs who are brought together when the husband/father of each dies.
It quickly transpires that he was the one same man, leading a double life.
One daughter is called Catherine Walcott. And another girl is called Catherine Walcott. Sisters who had no idea the other existed until their father dropped dead.
Cathy has a fiancé, a Duke of Edinburgh Award and a pension. Cat has a pay-as-you-go phone.
The only thing they have in common is their name. Both of them have always wanted a sister – just maybe not each other.
More than 20 extras and around 30 crew were involved in the shoots. Part of the Halfway House interior was transformed into an Italian restaurant.
“It was the last day of filming at the Halfway on December 5,” said Vinnie. “The previous day they had been down to the Duke.
“It was great to see both pubs being used. I will definitely be keeping an eye out when the series returns next year.
“I am led to believe it will be April or May but I don’t think there is a defined date.”
Ben Cave, executive producer for Cave Bear Productions, said: “The Other One is a fantastically funny and charming show with a great story at the heart of it.
“We are very happy to once again be making comedy for BBC Two which continues to be the home for a lot of the UK’s best comedic talent.”
Earlier this year, Maxine Peake (Dinner Ladies, Shameless, Silk) and Oldhamer William Ash (Waterloo Road, Clocking Off, Soldier Soldier) were at the Halfway to make a pilot film, given a working title of Judy.
Since then the hostelry has undergone a £140,000 refurbishment by brewers, JW Lees.