The crime rate in Wales is set to spike again, at least on screen, as ‘Death Valley’ gears up for a second series. Filming is now underway on the hit comedy drama, which once again pairs Timothy Spall (Mr Turner, The Sixth Commandment) with Gwyneth Keyworth (Black Mirror, Hidden) as the unlikely crime-solving duo John Chapel and DS Janie Mallowan.
The series, created and written by BAFTA-nominated Paul Doolan, is produced by BBC Studios Comedy and will return to BBC One, iPlayer and BritBox. The first outing was a record-breaking success, pulling in the largest UK overnight audience for a new scripted show in five years and averaging 4.6 million viewers across its 28-day window. It also became the most-watched comedy of the year on BBC One Wales and one of BritBox North America’s top titles.
Alongside Spall and Keyworth, the ensemble cast returns with Alexandria Riley (The Pact) as Helen Baxter, Steffan Rhodri (In My Skin) as DCI Barry Clarke, Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey) as Yvonne Mallowan, and Rithvik Andugula (Casualty) as DC Evan Chaudhry. Expect more chaos, murder, and the occasional appearance from Alan the cat.
Timothy Spall said:
“I’m delighted that the show has been received so well, and audiences have embraced the warm and eccentric nature of John and Janie’s partnership. I’m really looking forward to revisiting this unlikely duo with the brilliant Gwyneth Keyworth as they take on more crime solving escapades in Wales.”
Gwyneth Keyworth added:
“I’m so chuffed Janie and John get to bicker their way through some more deadly crime scenes. Thank you so much to everyone who watched and supported the show! I can’t wait to be back ‘corpsing’ with Timothy and the gang for series two!”
Paul Doolan promised even more mischief in the scripts, saying he couldn’t wait for audiences to see where the pair are headed next:
“I’ve been delighted with the reaction to Death Valley and can’t wait to bring more John, Janie and Alan the cat to screens. I’m very excited for viewers to see where the next series takes them as we pit them against an array of cunning murderers and, more often than not, against each other.”
The first series also drew plenty of critical praise, with The Guardian calling it “a cosy, witty joy”, while the Sunday Mirror described Spall and Keyworth as “chaotic perfection”.
‘Death Valley’ season two will once again run for six 45-minute episodes. Simon Hynd and Claire Winyard direct, Nikki Wilson produces, and executive producers include Madeline Addy, Josh Cole, Paul Doolan and Timothy Spall himself. The new series will premiere in 2026, with guest stars and TX details to be announced closer to broadcast.
‘Death Valley’ Season 2 does not yet have a premiere date but will air on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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