New BBC ghost story starring Martin Freeman filmed in Essex

The BBC has confirmed that principal photography for A Ghost Story For Christmas: The Bride's Chamber starring Martin Freeman and Jim Broadbent took place at Ingatestone Hall, bringing a major television production to the county.

The festive drama is based on a little-known Charles Dickens ghost story and follows a rejected and vengeful suitor who manipulates a young woman before marrying her in a bid to claim her fortune.

However, his murderous plans ultimately create his own torment.

The one-off adaptation has been written and directed by Mark Gatiss, who has become known for reviving the BBC's traditional Christmas ghost stories.

Speaking about the project, Gatiss said: "I'm once more thrilled and honoured to bring another Ghost Story For Christmas to BBC Two.

"It's unusual to find a Dickens rarity but this is it.

"A weird and nasty little treasure which lurks within a work co-written with the great Wilkie Collins.

"A lonely inn, an incognito traveller and a ghastly tale of warped obsession. Merry Christmas!"

The production stars Martin Freeman, best known for The Office, Sherlock and The Hobbit trilogy, alongside veteran actor Jim Broadbent.

Martin Freeman as Goodchild in The Bride's Chamber, a Charles Dickens adaptation for the annual BBC's A Ghost Story For Christmas festive special. (Image: Joe Duggan/Adorable Media/BBC/PA Wire)

The filming location, Ingatestone Hall, is one of Essex's most recognisable historic buildings.

Built in 1539 by Sir William Petre, the Grade I listed Tudor mansion remains home to the Petre family more than 480 years later.

Located in the village of Ingatestone, the hall features striking red-brick architecture, period interiors, landscaped gardens and centuries of history, making it a popular choice for television and film productions.

Its historic appearance has seen it used as a backdrop for numerous dramas and documentaries over the years, with the building often doubling as locations from different periods of British history.

(Image: Supplied)

Mark Bell, commissioning editor for BBC Arts, said: "The Ghost Story For Christmas has become an essential dish on the festive TV menu, for audiences who love nothing more than settling in for a spine-tingling tale on a winter's night.

"This year we're delighted to bring you this spooky story by Charles Dickens, brilliantly adapted and directed by Mark Gatiss, with a great cast."

The drama will air on BBC Two this winter as part of a wider season of Dickens-inspired programming, which will also include a three-part documentary exploring how the author drew inspiration from the streets of Victorian London and a new adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities starring Kit Harington.