Filming commences on upcoming beauty salon drama Age Before Beauty

Age Before Beauty, a BBC One six-part drama about a Manchester salon, has begun filming.

The show will follow protagonist Bel, played by Polly Walker, who starred in Mr Selfridge, as she steps in to take over her best friend Teddy’s, played by Robson Green (Granchester), family business: a salon called Mirrorbel in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Sue Johnston (of Downtown Abbey fame) and James Murray will also be starring.

Creator and executive producer Debbie Hornsfield, known for her work on Poldark and Cutting It, will work alongside producer Guy De Glanville and director Paul Walker on the series.

The fictional salon offers treatments such as spray tans, nails services and injectables, shown throughout the series performed by Bel’s family (Kelly Harrison, Vicky Myers and Lisa Riley).

Executive producer Laura Mackie said: “We can’t wait to start filming Debbie’s wonderful multi-generational drama with such a fantastic mix of new and familiar faces.”

Age Before Beauty is the second recently announced TV series to centre on the beauty industry, following ITV Be reality TV show Spa Wars on ITV. The media focus could bring increased attention  – and possibly scrutiny – to the industry.