BBC thriller filming in Magor as road closures announced

Magor in Monmouthshire will be transformed into a Welsh seaside town later this month as filming begins for The Night They Vanished, a new thriller-drama.

The Night They Vanished is a forthcoming thriller set to be released on a yet to be announced date.

The drama stars Joanne Froggatt, best known for her role in Downton Abbey, and follows a mother whose life is turned upside down when her children disappear during a family holiday.

According to the show's synopsis, what begins as a missing persons investigation develops into a wider mystery that uncovers long-buried secrets and raises questions about what really happened on the night the children vanished.

The Night They Vanished's show's cast is set to include Downtown Abbey star Joanne Frogatt (Image: PA)

Production crews will take over parts of Magor Square and Newport Road between September 18 and September 28, with temporary road closures in place to support the filming schedule.

Frances Taylor, an independent county councillor, said the BBC approached the community about using the square and the area outside Angelo's Fish Bar as key locations.

Cllr Taylor said: "My key message is, Magor will continue to be open for business.

"This is hopefully a very positive opportunity to showcase our brilliant community."

Most businesses and residents she has spoken to are supportive of the project, she said, and excited to see their village on screen.

Road closures will affect sections of The Square on September 18, from September 21 to 25, and again on September 28.

A section of Newport Road near Angelo's Fish Bar will be closed only on September 21.

The closures apply to vehicles only, with pedestrian access maintained throughout the filming period.

Businesses will remain open unless they have agreed to be used as filming locations, in which case customers will be notified of any temporary restrictions.

Some shops and premises are expected to appear in the drama, helping to create the look of a coastal town.

Monmouthshire County Council has issued a temporary traffic regulation notice, stating the closures are necessary to allow filming works to take place safely.

Diversions will be in place for drivers, and St Mary’s car park is expected to be used by the production team for vehicles, equipment, and props.

Cllr Taylor said she had asked the production team to maintain access to blue badge parking spaces wherever possible.

All other car parks in the village are expected to remain open.

South Wales has become an increasingly popular filming destination due to its varied scenery, historic locations, and well-developed production infrastructure.

If filming goes ahead as planned, Magor will be seen by viewers across the UK, offering a rare opportunity for national exposure.

Cllr Taylor said production crews would deliver letters to nearby properties in advance of filming and urged anybody with questions or concerns to get in touch.

While some disruption is expected for motorists during the road closures, many in the community see the project as a chance to promote Magor to a wider audience.