BROADCHURCH led the way at the BAFTAs after picking up a hat-trick of gongs at the prestigious awards ceremony.

It picked up three awards at the BAFTA Television awards held in London on Sunday night, to add to its already impressive haul of awards, winning the Best Drama Series, Best Leading Actress and Best Supporting Actor awards.

The West Dorset-based show, created by Bridport writer Chris Chibnall, was a massive hit averaging an audience of 9.1million viewers when it was screened in 2013.

Collecting the award for Best Drama Series at Sunday night's bash, Mr Chibnall said: “Oh my God, this is such a huge team effort. I have had the greatest cast and crew that anyone could hope for as a writer.

“I'd also like to say thank you to the towns of Clevedon, West Bay and Bridport, thank you all very much, this award means a lot to us.”

As she collected the award for Leading Actress for her portrayal of DS Ellie Miller, Olivia Colman, pictured, gave an emotional speech as she broke down in tears.

She said: “We are so pleased everybody likes Broadchurch, we like it and Chris Chibnall is a genius, thank you for writing it. Standing opposite David Tennant is just a joy and a treat, as is watching Andrew Buchan and Jodie Whittaker.”

Speaking after the awards ceremony to BAFTA TV, she added: “I don't know what to say, I would have put money on this not happening tonight.

“It is so nice, we are all so proud of Broadchurch and I love that people have loved it, it's lovely to see.”

The show did miss out on the Radio Times Audience Award but that couldn't take the shine off the night as the show left the ceremony with the most awards.

As reported by the Echo last week, Broadchurch will return for a second series and will be filmed again in West Bay with a star-studded cast including Hollywood actress Charlotte Rampling.

Becca Overton, manager of the Facebook fan page for the show which has more than 93,000 likes, said: “I am very happy and pleased with the wins. It's a shame they didn't get the audience award but three awards is absolutely amazing.

“A massive well done to everyone involved in the show. It certainly bodes well for the second series, I think it will be great.

“'Broadchurch - BAFTA winning show' definitely suits it.”