Viewers of new Sophie Turner drama, Joan, will hardly recognise one of Birmingham’s historic shopping arcades after it was transformed as a filming location.
Joan is now airing on ITV1 and ITVX and charts the life of jewel thief Joan Harrington. Although set in 1980s London, it was filmed around Birmingham city centre’s shopping streets.
Piccadilly Arcade’s age-old features and unique shop spaces were used along with roads around the Grand Hotel and Margaret Street.
Brummies may be able to spot familiar sights during the six part series that started on ITV1 last night(Sunday September 29) and continues tonight.
Beautifully ornate Piccadilly Arcade, off New Street, was originally built in 1910 to as a cinema, The Picture House.
When the movie theatre closed in 1926, it turned into Piccadilly Arcade and paved the way for an independent shopping venue. It is famous for the stunning paintings it has on its ceilings.
It is now home to shops and cafes including Shepherds barbers, newly renovated Boba One bubble tea shop, Top Tailor, Resiliency Tattoo, Piccadilly Cobbler, Faculty coffee shop, Be At One cocktail bar and Piccadilly Opticians.
A new arrival is due soon of Clays – a virtual clay shooting bar set to open before Christmas.
Joan is on ITV1 at 9pm tonight, Monday September 30 and on Sundays at 9pm. It can also be watched on ITVX here.