A STUNT for a new dystopian thriller starring Sean Bean has been filmed in the grounds of Arley Hall.

Curfew is an exclusive eight-part series for Sky TV which will see racers take to weaponised vehicles to win the ultimate prize – freedom from a totalitarian government that controls their lives.

The street race drama, set to air in February, will see pimped-out cars race through the night from London to northernmost Scotland but one of the most dramatic scenes in the show was filmed much closer to home.

Steve Hamilton, Arley’s general manager, said: “A big stunt was filmed here for the new series of Curfew starring Sean Bean.

“We can’t say too much about it, but it will be an exciting moment in the programme.

“It was a night shoot and took place in the middle of a wood on the estate.

“The hardest part was sorting out access to the area as they needed to put in a makeshift track across a field so that cars could reach the location.”

Curfew also stars Riviera’s Adrian Lester, Blue Iguana’s Phoebe Fox and Black Mirror’s Malachi Kirby who will all go head-to-head in the ultimate contest.

Arley Hall is regularly used as a filming location and has recently welcomed back the cast of Peaky Blinders.

There is even a link between both shows as Curfew director Colm McCarthy was also behind the camera for the second series of Peaky Blinders.

Steve added: “Curfew is not like anything that has been filmed at Arley before. We are used to Peaky Blinders and shows like Our Zoo, but Curfew is about car racers who cross Britain in weaponised vehicles to escape a totalitarian government. It just goes to show the magic of television and film that an estate like Arley, which hasn’t changed much in the past 500 years, can be used for so many diverse and interesting shows.”

DAVID MORGAN