LADYKILLER Martin Kemp was up to his old tricks as he filmed a chilling period drama in locations across North Yorkshire.

The ex-EastEnders actor was on set at Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, shooting scenes for forthcoming ITV thriller The Brides In The Bath, which is based on a true crime.

Kemp, resplendent in Edwardian swimming costume and luxuriant moustache, frolicked in the River Rye yesterday at Nunnington as he acted out the part of serial killer George Joseph Smith.

The murderer married three wealthy women, under various pseudonyms, and later drowned them.

The former Spandau Ballet member may have been taking a leaf from the book of heartthrob Colin Firth, who made Mr Darcy the number one romantic hero for British women when he took a dip in a frilly white shirt. The Brides In The Bath is set on the eve of the First World War.

On Monday and Tuesday, the film crew shot scenes in Leeds Road, Tadcaster, and further footage will be shot on the East Yorkshire coast.

Executive producer David Reynolds said: "Martin's had an acting history of killing his leading ladies and in The Brides In The Bath, he'll kill several."

This is Kemp's first period role and he is joined in the production by Tracy Wilkinson, of Bad Girls fame, and Richard Griffiths.

The Brides In The Bath is one of four single dramas commissioned by ITV1 from Yorkshire Television to be filmed during the summer.

Updated: 10:46 Thursday, June 05, 2003