Filming for new ITV period drama The Halcyon is taking place at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard.

The eight-part series stars Olivia Williams, who has starred in Emma and The Sixth Sense, alongside Steven Mackintosh who appeared in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and more recently Stan Lee's Lucky Man.

It tells the story of a bustling five-star London hotel during the Second World War.

The show is being produced by Left Bank Pictures which also created the popular Wallander series, with Downton Abbey assistant director Chris Croucher as part of the team.

Director of drama at ITV Steve November said: “A hotel is the perfect place to show ambition in telling the story of the Second World War.

“It was an extraordinary time and The Halcyon takes us to the heart of this as the hotel is busy, energetic, and vibrant which reflects how people carried on with their lives.”

Left Bank chief executive Andy Harries said: “1940 is one of the most dramatic years in our island’s history. It’s such a compelling idea for a drama.

"The world of the Halcyon hotel has to carry on, through thick and thin and against all odds.”

Medway Council, whose offices are next door to the Dockyard, tweeted on Sunday that people could see ash, smoke and fire effects coming from the set.

It is the latest in a long line of television dramas and films which have been shot at the visitor attraction - including Hollywood blockbusters Sherlock Holmes and Les Miserables and TV favourites Call the Midwife and Mr Selfridge.