The open marshland and beaches of the Isle of Grain provide the backdrop for new BBC thriller London Spy.

The five-part series began last Monday and follows the story of a young man, Danny – played by Ben Whishaw – who finds himself drawn into a dangerous world of espionage when his partner Alex, a spy, is found dead in suspicious circumstances.

Danny must decide whether he is prepared to fight for the truth, even though he is ill-equipped to take on what lies ahead of him.

While much of the action is centred in London, several scenes take place in Grain, where the production team filmed for two days in October 2014, providing a stark contrast to the claustrophobia of the capital.

Ron Sands, chairman of anti-development group Hands Off Hoo, said the fact film-makers and audiences were appreciating the natural beauty of the area could only be a good thing.

“If Boris had his way it would just be an airport,” he said. “It’s all about preserving it. It’s a unique landscape and that’s why they’re using it.

“What with the Historic Dockyard, we’re becoming quite a film location.”

The show has been the subject of a media furore, after it was reported by The Sun that Ofcom was to investigate it following 13 complaints over a gay sex scene.

Ofcom later confirmed that only one complaint was received, and it is not going to investigate the drama.

The next episode will air tonight on BBC Two at 9pm.

Medway has also featured in the drama Jekyll and Hyde on ITV. Scenes for the show were filmed in Rochester High Street, Chatham’s Historic Dockyard and Fort Amherst.