'Real buzz among locals' - Danny Dyer spotted in Sussex as Channel 4 drama transforms seaside town into London’s past

The six-part series is an adaptation of Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book and has been written by Will Smith (Slow Horses, Veep). It revisits the dramatic events of the Iranian Embassy Siege, which began on April 30, 1980 and saw armed separatists take 26 hostages.

Featuring Danny Dyer, The Siege filming has been taking place in Hove, with Palmeira Square temporarily closed off as it is transformed into a key London location for the upcoming historical drama.

Kelly Mikulla, managing director of the Sussex Film Office, said: "Hove rolled out the red carpet for The Siege this week. Palmeira Square's historic 19th-century terraces made a remarkably convincing double for the Iranian Embassy in Kensington proof that Sussex can stand in for London, and frankly look better doing it.

“A production of this scale brings real money into the local economy. We'd estimate a minimum spend of £120,000 across accommodation, catering, crew, suppliers and local services in just a few days of filming.

“Behind the scenes, the film office plays a big part in making these things happen. A huge amount of our work is done hand in hand with our colleagues at the councils, making sure they're comfortable with the plans and that disruption to residents is kept to an absolute minimum. It's a real team effort and one we're proud of.

“The crew have been first-class – professional, friendly and genuinely good company. And there's been a real buzz among locals all week; people have loved watching it come to life on their doorstep.

"I've no doubt the crew would jump at the chance to shoot down here again, and we'd welcome them back in a heartbeat."

Crews have been using Palmeira Square’s Victorian architecture to double for Kensington, carefully dressing the area to recreate the exterior surroundings of the embassy as they would have appeared in 1980. Traffic restrictions have been in place while filming continues across the site.

Chief content officer Ian Katz, from Channel 4, said: “The Iranian embassy siege and the daring raid which ended it was an iconic moment that forged the ferocious reputation of the modern SAS.

"The show is a heart-stopping, emotional thriller that reveals the little-known motivations of the hapless hostage-takers and the very human reality of what went on inside the embassy as the world looked on and Britain's most lethal soldiers practiced their high stakes assault.

“It will change the way people understand the siege and reveal how close the famous SAS operation came to disaster. We're thrilled to be working with Will Smith, Ben Macintyre, Lewis Arnold, Patrick Spence and the remarkable cast.

"This major commission underlines Channel 4's commitment to dialling up exceptional drama in its slate of original British programming.”

Filming began earlier in the week and is expected to run through to Friday, with production teams working across multiple setups in the square. Equipment, period adjustments, and controlled street access have all been part of the transformation of the residential area into a film set.

Dyer (Rivals, Mr Big Stuff) has been spotted on location during shoots, as the actor continues a busy period of television work following his departure from EastEnders.

Brighton and Hove have become increasingly popular with film and TV crews, who often use the city’s period architecture to recreate different parts of London. Palmeira Square is an idea choice for productions needing a consistent Victorian streetscape.

Channel 4 describes the show as a ‘heart-in-mouth’ thriller that aims to reframe public understanding of the event.

The production features a large ensemble cast including David Morrissey (Sherwood, Daddy Issues) and Motaz Malhees (The Voice of Hind Rajab, 200 Metres).

Alexandre Piel, deputy head of drama, ARTE France said: “The Siege is our first coproduction with UK, and we are truly honoured to be associated with Channel 4 on this fantastic project. Will Smith is a brilliant author; his adaptation of Ben Macintyre's novel masterfully blends a gripping thriller with the emotional depth of this tragic event.

“He made it an intense, moving, and funny story all at once. It has been wonderful to stand at Patrick Spence’s side in his adventure.

"It’s a unique opportunity, the one that allows you to witness the unfolding of a historical moment turning into disaster in front of the whole world. And we are also more than happy that this project enables us to have worked for the first time with the esteemed Channel 4 team.”

Filming in Hove is expected to continue through the week before the production moves on to other UK locations.