Community centre transformed into hospice for ITV crime drama filming

Film crews working on the latest series of hit ITV crime drama Grace transformed a community centre into a hospice.

Southwick Community Centre became the film set with its cafe was converted into a hospice.

Tables and signage were replaced with oxygen tanks, wheelchairs and stage dressing for the filming of the fifth season of the show which is based on the best-selling novels by Brighton's own Peter James.

Scenes were also shot in the community centre car park.

Medical equipment was brought onto the set (Image: Southwick Community Centre)

Southwick Community Centre manager Jayne Routley said: “It was a fascinating process to watch, with a huge number of people and crew.

“They were a lovely bunch of people, very courteous and everything was returned back to normal on Friday.

“They were super supportive of our fundraising campaign to help refurbish the Barn Theatre, donating signed pictures for our charity auction.

“All the staff are super excited to see the series."

A truck in the community centre car park (Image: Southwick Community Centre)

Filming has taken place across Brighton, with stars John Simm and Richie Campbell recently snapped cooling down with ice lollies during a hot day in Eaton Place, Kemp Town.

John Simm returns as the titular detective Roy Grace while Campbell returns as DS Glenn Branson.

The show is expected to air next year.

John Simm and Richie Campbell in Eaton Place (Image: The Argus)

Huw Kennair Jones, ITV’s drama commissioner, previously said: “We’re thrilled to be returning to Brighton and the world of Roy Grace and the team for another series of Peter James’s brilliant stories.

“Series five promises to deliver four more episodes full of surprises and intrigue that ITV audiences have come to love.”

Author Peter has said it was a “dream come true” to see his books brought to life through the series.

His 19-book series recently received the royal stamp of approval when the Queen named Roy Grace as her favourite detective.

In her podcast the Queen's Reading Room, Camilla said: "There are so many of his books and I started at the very beginning.

"So the nice thing about his books is that, although there is a pretty terrifying story that goes on, you’ve always got the thread of Grace and his life and what’s happening in his life.

"There are lots of twists and turns and it just keeps you on your toes.”