Watford has once again proven its growing popularity with the film and television industry, as new figures reveal that more than £35,000 was paid in filming fees to Watford Borough Council during 2025.
The figures were released following a Freedom of Information request made by the Local Democracy Reporting Service and show how busy the town has been with major TV productions throughout the year. According to Harrow Online, several well-known BBC, ITV, and Sky shows chose Watford locations for filming.
The biggest payment came in January 2025, when the upcoming BBC drama series “Babies” filmed across multiple streets in the town. Production teams used Alexandra Road, Stratford Road, St Albans Road, Bruce Grove, Salisbury Road, and Leavesden Road, along with King George V car park and Cassiobury Park car park. For these locations, filmmakers paid £16,125 to the council.
The six-part series “Babies”, directed by Stefan Golaszewski, stars Paapa Essiedu and Siobhán Cullen and is expected to air later in 2025 on the BBC. Several scenes were filmed directly on residential streets, highlighting Watford’s flexible filming setup.
Another BBC project, the upcoming drama “California Avenue”, also filmed in Watford during October 2025. The production, which stars Bill Nighy, Erin Doherty, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tom Burke, paid £3,150 to use Queens Road for filming.
Other productions added to Watford’s filming income during the year. Sky’s “Sweetpea” Season 2, starring Ella Purnell, paid £8,600 after filming at North Watford Cemetery in September and October. Meanwhile, ITV’s “Red Eye” Season 2, featuring Jing Lusi and Richard Armitage, paid £5,525 for filming on Sussex Road in April and May.
Additional fees were also collected for filming ITV’s “Trigger Point”, Sloane Square Films’ “Vox Populi”, and a BBC series featuring Matt Willis and Emma Willis discussing therapy and mental health.
All figures include filming fees, location charges, parking costs, and other related payments made directly to the council.
Peter Taylor, the elected Mayor of Watford, praised the town’s success in attracting productions. He said Watford has become a “top destination” for film and TV, bringing economic benefits, supporting local businesses, and creating job opportunities. He also highlighted the role of the Hertfordshire Film Office, which helps productions film smoothly across the county.
With steady interest from major broadcasters, Watford’s role on screen looks set to grow even further in the coming years.
Discover more from A2Z Filming Location
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.