IT'S BEEN lights, camera, action across the Fylde coast this week as filming began on a new BBC drama mini series - Blackpool - this week.

The six-part series follows the life of Golden Mile amusement arcade owner - Ripley Holden - played by BAFTA nominated North West actor, David Morrisey.

Speaking exclusively to The Citizen , 39-year-old David said: "The series is a real rollercoaster ride as my character, Ripley, dips his hand into the murky waters of the casino game.

"He's a bit of a working-class hero who has worked his way up the hard way, made himself a tidy bit of money and now wants to cash-in on the resort's development as Britain's answer to Las Vegas.

"Along the way it charts the strain his determination and ambition put on his relationship with his family and the obstacles that get in his way.

"In the end things get way beyond his control and turn a bit political testing his personal strengths and moral weaknesses.

"He's a very interesting and complex character to play"

Political roles are nothing new to Merseyside-born David.

He recently earned critical acclaim playing Chancellor Gordon Brown, in Channel Four's 'The Deal' as well as fictitious Labour MP, Stephen Collins, in BBC's "State of Play' - for which he earned his BAFTA nomination.

But, after the ritzy glitz of prestigious awards ceremonies, we asked London-based David if he it was a bit of a culture shock to find himself filming on the windswept Blackpool prom!

David said: "Not at all, it's great to be back in Blackpool.

"I used to come here with my family as a child and have loads of memories of the Golden Mile, the piers and the beach.

"Plus I've still got very strong links with the North West and, in particular, my former home on Merseyside.

"Besides, so far, the weather has been better here than down south!"

Blackpool - written by Flesh and Blood creator, Peter Bowker - is due to be screened on BBC1 in the autumn and also features 'Cutting It' star, Sarah Parish, David Tennant and former Coronation Street actress, Georgia Taylor.