Partners in Crime BBC Filming Locations: Agatha Christie TV series starring Jessica Raine and David Walliams
Set in post-war Britain, the series adapted Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence stories, including The Secret Adversary and N or M?. The drama followed the married couple as they became entangled in conspiracy, murder and espionage. While only one series was produced and the show was not renewed for further episodes, Partners in Crime remains a visually striking addition to the long line of Christie adaptations. Today, it continues to attract interest from viewers curious about its filming locations and from those planning a trip to Cromer and the wider Norfolk coast.
Where was Partners in Crime filmed?
Filming for BBC One’s Partners in Crime began in September 2014 and took place at a number of locations across England, including London. However, much of the six-part drama was filmed in and around the north Norfolk coastal town of Cromer, which became the show’s most recognisable backdrop.
Tommy (DAVID WALLIAMS) with Tuppance (JESSICA RAINE) – Image Credit: BBC/Endor Productions/Robert Viglasky
According to the Eastern Daily Press, specific Cromer sites included the beach, the pier and the council’s North Lodge building. During filming, residents and visitors often spotted Jessica Raine and David Walliams in character as Tuppence and Tommy Beresford. Cromer Pier, which had already featured in the Alan Partridge film Alpha Papa, underwent extensive refurbishment in the years before shooting. Despite suffering storm damage, it was repaired and later voted Pier of the Year in 2015, just as the series reached TV screens.
Below you can take a 360° view of the pier using Google Maps Street View. This panoramic image was taken in October 2014, around the same time as Partners in Crime was being filmed:
Located 23 miles north of Norwich, Cromer is a seaside town with a population of around 8,000. Its combination of sandy beaches, Victorian architecture and dramatic coastal views made it an ideal choice for recreating the 1950s Cold War atmosphere of Partners in Crime. Visitors can still walk the same promenade and pier that appeared on screen, making it a popular stop for fans of the show and for TV and film tourism in Norfolk.
Why Wasn’t There a Season 2?
Although Partners in Crime drew attention as part of the BBC’s celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s birth, the show was not renewed for a second season. Ratings for the drama were modest compared to other Christie adaptations, and reviews were mixed despite praise for its stylish period setting and strong cast. With the BBC already commissioning new Christie projects from other production teams, such as And Then There Were None and The ABC Murders, the decision was made not to continue Tommy and Tuppence’s adventures. As a result, the six episodes broadcast in 2015 remain the only season of Partners in Crime, making it a short but memorable entry in the long history of Christie screen adaptations.