The BBC has released some “first look” images of upcoming comedy-drama ‘Death Valley‘ (working title) starring Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth, which is set to premiere in 2025 on the UK broadcaster.
Set in Wales, the six-part murder mystery series follows the unlikely crime-solving partnership between eccentric national treasure John Chapel (Timothy Spall), a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective TV show ‘Caesar’, and disarming Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth).
Thrown together by the murder of John’s neighbour, John and Janie are an odd, yet hilarious duo with opposing instincts. Every week, they get to the bottom of gripping murders, with various stunning Welsh locations providing a backdrop to their investigations.
“Murder. Mystery. Comedy. AND TIMOTHY SPALL!” exclaimed Gwyneth Keyworth. “I’m absolutely buzzing. I’m grateful to be working on a show that truly celebrates Wales – not just its landscapes and culture, but also its unique quirks and the humour that defines its people.”
Timothy Spall as John Chapel and Sian Gibson as Wendy
Joining Spall and Keyworth in the cast are Steffan Rhodri (The Way, House of the Dragon, Steeltown Murders) as DCI Clarke – Janie’s boss and so-called mentor!; Alexandria Riley (Baby Reindeer, Lost Boys and Fairies, The Pembrokeshire Murders) as Baxter a straight talking pathologist and friend of Janie; Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, Father Brown) as Yvonne, Janie’s ‘no boundaries’ mother; Remy Beasley (One Day, Steeltown Murders) as Rhiannon the picture of perfection and an old adversary from Janie’s past; Mike Bubbins (Mammoth) as Tony – the un-self-aware and overly friendly Desk Sergeant; And Rithvik Andugula (Extraordinary) as DC Evan Chaudhry – the eager to please and somewhat naïve junior police officer.
Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry and Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan
Guest artists featuring across the series include, Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts), Sian Gibson (Mammoth, Peter Kay’s Car Share), Patricia Hodge (A Very English Scandal, All Creatures Great and Small), Jim Howick (Ghosts, Here We Go, The Change), Karl Johnson (True Love, The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies, Wolf), Colin McFarlane (The War Between The Land and the Sea, The Dark Knight Trilogy), Vicki Pepperdine (Poor Things, Worzel Gummidge), Steve Speirs (Inside No.9, After Life), and Amy Trigg (Such Brave Girls, Luther, The Reckoning).
Alexandria Riley as Baxter and Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan
‘Death Valley’ is a BBC Studios Comedy Production for BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer, written and created by BAFTA-nominated Paul Doolan (Trollied, Mammoth, Bloods) with additional material by Sian Harries (Tourist Trap, Man Down).
“I’m such a huge fan of the crime genre and I love writing comedy, so it’s been a delight to see the show come to life with such a brilliant array of actors and guest stars for our murder suspects,” said Paul Doolan.
The series was ordered by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy and Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning BBC Wales. The Commissioning Editors are Seb Barwell for BBC Comedy, and Paul Forde for BBC Wales. Directed by Simon Hynd and Produced by Nikki Wilson, the Executive Producers are Paul Doolan, Josh Cole and Madeline Addy. BBC Studios will distribute the series internationally. Additional funding support has been provided by Creative Wales, the Welsh Government agency that supports the growth of the Creative Sectors.
‘Death Valley‘ (working title) does not have a premiere date yet but will air on the BBC in 2025. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
