Locations include Seaton Carew, close to where Darwin lived, and the Headland. Here is a selection of photographs from the first day of filming. For details of other TV shows and movies to be filmed in our area, click here.
1. Title role
Eddie Marsan plays John Darwin in upcoming ITV drama The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe.
Photo: Frank Reid
2. What really happened?
It is recreating the tale of how Darwin faked his own death in Hartlepool in a 2002 canoeing accident before eventually fleeing to Panama with wife Anne to begin a new life with the insurance payout.
Photo: Frank Reid
3. Partner in crime
A member of the camera crew offers directions to a woman during filming.
Photo: Frank Reid
4. Sheltering from the impending storm
The Darwins were charged with fraud after their deceit unravelled when John walked into a London police station in 2007 and both were jailed for more than six years each the following year.
Photo: Frank Reid