Playing Nice has quickly become a huge ITV hit with the limited psychological thriller drawing lots of attention. But what you might not have spotted is the Cornish products being featured in scenes on the show.
Starring Happy Valley’s James Norton as Pete Riley, a father whose world is turned upside down when he discovers his biological child was switched at birth, the production seems to have done its bit to support Cornish businesses in a nod to the place where scenes were filmed.
Expressing their delight at their involvement, one Cornwall-based business was stunned to see actress Niamh Algar had chosen a piece of the brand’s jewellery to wear for her scenes, even incorporating it in the role and using it “as a fidget spinner in anxious moments”.
Booblika Jewellery, based in Newquay, said it’s even brought the piece – originally designed in 2021 – back due to popular demand and it is now making the necklace to order. A local furniture company also took to social media to explain how it had provided pieces for the production.
Bella’s Preloved Furniture said: “Proud to have supplied ITV with furniture for Playing Nice, their latest four-part psychological thriller – filmed in Cornwall. Here is one of our dining tables.”
James Norton in new ITV drama Playing Nice, which was filmed in and is set in Cornwall
(Image: ITV/Studio Canal)
It shared an image of the piece being used as the dining table in the Riley family’s fictional home in scenes for Playing Nice. Booblika Jewellery said “something magical happened” when they saw one of its necklaces featured in the show.
Calling it “the most incredible moment in my jewellery journey” the founder said: “This particular necklace was designed during my very first silver diploma back in February 2021 as part of a creative challenge. It features Swarovski blue topaz crystals and a spinning design – perfect as a calming, tactile piece.
“In September 2023, I was approached by a member of the Playing Nice filming crew, asking if I could provide some sea glass necklaces for the show. I sent a small selection, and to my surprise, this specific piece was chosen by the actress herself.
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“I was told it would air early in 2025 but knew little else. Fast forward to yesterday, and there it was, on screen! The most magical part? I reached out to Niamh to thank her, and within 10 minutes, she replied with the warmest message.
“She described how much she loved the necklace, calling it a ‘scene-stealer’ and sharing how it even became part of her character’s journey as a fidget spinner during anxious moments. Her kind words brought me to tears (happy ones, of course)! This moment is a dream come true and a reminder that you never know where your hard work and creativity might take you.”