COACH loads of people will soon be trailing around West Bay visiting the sights of fictional Broadchurch.

Guide Natalie Manifold said her phone has not stopped ringing since she announced her Broadchurch tours.

Natalie, who already runs Jane Austen tours in Lyme Regis, will be showing fans the key filming locations for the hit television show, including the police station, newsagents and death cliff.

She has been overwhelmed by the response from ‘Broadies’, including celebrity backing and interest from coach tour operators.

Natalie sent a message on Twitter to comedian Alan Carr, who then re-tweeted the message to his 3.5million followers.

“The next thing I know I have a booking from a coach tour operator,” said Natalie.

“After Alan Carr tweeted, traffic to my website escalated beyond belief – 2,000 visitors in one day as opposed to that many in two months.

“I then decided to email lots of other coach operators and I now have several coaches coming in this year especially to visit because of Broadchurch.”

The 28-year-old will be leading her first tour on Sunday, May 26, followed by every Sunday in July and August.

Natalie said she already has bookings for the tour, which is unusual so far in advance, and she is anticipating interest from US when the series is aired on BBC America later this year.

Her tours will also include photographs and anecdotes from the filming.

Natalie believes the Broadchurch effect has given the area a huge boost, not just among holidaymakers but with locals too.

“The thing about Broadchurch is that it is really an ode to the Jurassic Coast in a way,” said Natalie.

“You can tell that the script was born out of love for the area – something Chris Chibnall acknowledges.

“Broadchurch is very atmospheric in the way it is shot, almost cinematic. The coast plays as big a part in the story as the characters themselves and this is obvious when watching.

“The fact that it is highlighted in such a way means that people take notice. The result? Increased visitors to West Bay.

“I have been in West Bay almost every day over the last few weeks and not a single day has gone by when I have not heard the words Broadchurch or Tennant at least 50 times.

“Everyone loves it – even the local newsagent is getting involved.

“Lots of locals who haven't been to West Bay in years are revisiting too.”

For more information about the tours contact Natalie on 07763 974569 or visit literarylyme.co.uk