IT'S a wrap! The cast and crew of Britbox TV drama The Beast Must Die has bid goodbye to the Isle of Wight today.

They have been filming here for four months in a wide range of locations, bringing excitement, TV stars and a welcome injection of cash to the Island.

Ten local people were given credited acting roles, and more than 700 residents stepped in as supporting actors.

The production was assisted by Dadina Sagger of the Isle of Wight Film Fixers, who aided them from the very beginning of the enquiries and helped to supply local contacts for the production, including hotels, locations, buildings for storage and base, as well as working with the cross-Solent ferry operators.

Isle of Wight County Press: Director Dome Karukoski directs a scene of The Beast Must Die on the Isle of Wight.Director Dome Karukoski directs a scene of The Beast Must Die on the Isle of Wight.

She said: "More than 60 locations were used, meaning many hotels, accommodations and business were able to stay open due to the production. More than 40 locals were used as drivers, security, runners, and assistants.

"Island People Agency cast ten roles, including more than 27 one-liners, and more than 700 people as background artists, with approximately 50 Island children licensed with the Isle of Wight Council, that had this amazing opportunity.

"Some children also delivered lines, and four were cast as small roles.

"Hopefully more productions will look upon the Island as the place to film, as The Beast Must Die production achieved all 61 days of filming through Covid-19 by keeping their cast and crew safe.

"We look forward to more productions using the Island, and The Isle of Wight Film Fixers have launched a publicity campaign to the industry to welcome then to come and see the Island, with so much more here than just amazing views."

Director Dome Karukoski said the stars loved the Island so much, they 'all want to move here'.

The cast was led by Jared Harris, of Chernobyl and The Crown fame, who this year won the best actor TV BAFTA.

Also starring are Cush Jumbo, of Vera and The Good Wife, Nathaniel Parker, best known for the Inspector Lynley Mysteries, and Geraldine James.

Isle of Wight County Press: Actor Cush Jumbo with fan Christopher Jackson, who spotted her filming in Ryde.Actor Cush Jumbo with fan Christopher Jackson, who spotted her filming in Ryde.

The series is an adaption of the 1938 novel of the same name by Nicholas Blake, the nom de plume of poet Cecil Day-Lewis, father of actor Daniel Day-Lewis.

It will be aired in 2021.