THE Golden Globe winning lead actress of a much-anticipated Essex TV show has been pictured shooting scenes on a transformed town set.

Keen-eyed photographers have been able to capture shots of Claire Danes as she begins filming on the Maldon set of the Essex Serpent.

The show, which is set during the Victorian era, is being shot on location in Maldon and Alresford.

The production crews have completely transformed The Hythe in Maldon to look like a period accurate quay.

Photographers have been snapping pictures of the set for the past week but were handed a golden opportunity once filming began.

Award-winning actress Claire Danes, who plays the Apple TV+ show’s lead, Cora, was spotted by photographers shooting her first scenes at the set.

Gazette: Paula Wiseman was able to capture this photograph of Claire Danes acting in some of her first scenes on the Maldon set Paula Wiseman was able to capture this photograph of Claire Danes acting in some of her first scenes on the Maldon set

Paula Wiseman, who took this picture, said: “Being a Maldonian and seeing the quay set up was a real sight to see.

"I wasn’t on the set, I was just down there to see the set up and then some filming Thursday.

Gazette: Paula Wiseman was able to capture this photograph of Claire Danes acting in some of her first scenes on the Maldon setPaula Wiseman was able to capture this photograph of Claire Danes acting in some of her first scenes on the Maldon set

"Plus my friend lives on the quay overlooking all the set so I had an advantage point for shots.

"All I can say is, the vibe was amazing, the costumes and characters really was a vision to see.

Gazette: Paula Wiseman was able to capture this photograph of Claire Danes acting in some of her first scenes on the Maldon setPaula Wiseman was able to capture this photograph of Claire Danes acting in some of her first scenes on the Maldon set

"Also it was great that some of our local characters from the barges and local trades was on set as fisherman, they looked incredible."

Gazette: Paula Wiseman was able to capture this photograph of Claire Danes acting in some of her first scenes on the Maldon setPaula Wiseman was able to capture this photograph of Claire Danes acting in some of her first scenes on the Maldon set

The series is an adaptation of Sarah Perry’s 2016 novel and follows the newly widowed Cora who, after been released from an abusive marriage, relocates from London to the small fictional village of Aldwinter in Essex, intrigued by a superstition that a mythical creature known as the Essex Serpent has returned to the area.

The series will also include award-winning actor Tom Hiddleston who will play the role of Will Ransome.