THE cast of BAFTA award winning Broadchurch has gathered for the first read-through of the upcoming new series.

Photos were released on Thursday showing the whole cast at a ‘top secret location’.

The photo includes David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan and Arthur Darvill.

New additions Charlotte Rampling, Eve Myles, James D'Arcy and Marianne Jean-Baptiste also feature.

The West Dorset-based show, created by Bridport writer Chris Chibnall, picked up three awards at the BAFTA Television awards last Sunday.

It won the Best Drama Series, Best Leading Actress and Best Supporting Actor awards.

Broadcaster ITV, and production companies Kudos and Imaginary Friends, confirmed Eve, James, and Marianne as part of the cast earlier this week, alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Speaking after the announcement, ITV's Director of Drama Steve November said: “We’re delighted with the stellar cast assembled for the new series of Broadchurch.

“There’s a real sense of heightened anticipation about what’s to come, although we’re desperate to protect the secrets of Broadchurch to avoid spoiling what happens next for the viewers.”

The show's official Twitter account also tweeted a photo (below) of Mr Chibnall's seat at the table where the read-through took place.

His shooting script can be seen with sections of it blanked-out.

Details of the new characters and storylines for the second series won’t be revealed during filming as the cast and crew remain tight lipped about how the drama develops.

Jane Featherstone will continue as an executive producer alongside Mr Chibnall.

Meanwhile, James Strong, who directed five episodes of the first series, including episode one, will be directing the first two episodes of the new series.

Filming will begin later this month in Dorset and North Somerset.

The cast and crew are expected to stay at The Bull Hotel once again, with reservations being made.

The production company’s location manager has been spotted in West Bay and business owners have expressed their delight at having the series back.

Mr Chibnall has appealed to the media and members of the public who might witness some of the filming to help keep the storyline under wraps.