After an extended break, ‘Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators’ is officially back, and it is making its grand return on U&Alibi this September before heading to BBC One and iPlayer later.
The hit PI mystery drama sees Jo Joyner (EastEnders, Ackley Bridge) return as Lu Shakespeare, Mark Benton (Waterloo Road, The Halcyon) as Frank Hathaway, and Patrick Walshe McBride (Dracula, Death on the Nile) as Sebastian Brudenell. Created by Paul Matthew Thompson and the late Jude Tindall, the series follows the unlikely pair of private investigators as they take on murder cases and mysteries in the picturesque streets of Stratford-upon-Avon.
For those who assumed Season 4 in 2022 was the end of the line, think again. The BBC confirmed in September 2024 that the show would return, with U&Alibi bagging the premiere, before airing on the BBC at a later date. As Commissioner Helen Munson put it at the time:
“I’m delighted that Shakespeare and Hathaway are back! Expect more murder, more intrigue, and of course more comedy in series 5, as Lu and Frank once again solve crimes in beautiful Stratford Upon Avon.”
U&Alibi’s Commissioning Executive Claire Hookway added:
“With its distinctive marriage of comedy, crime and mystery, we know U&Alibi viewers love Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. We’re delighted to have this opportunity to treat them to the further adventures of this much-loved pairing on U&Alibi first and can’t wait to see Lu and Frank back on-screen with some new twisty and thrilling mysteries to solve.”
The opening episode, “Such a Mad Marriage Never Was Before,” sees Shakespeare and Hathaway reluctantly reuniting when they are hired by two warring social media influencers, played by Christine Bottomley and Andrew Knott. As Lu and Frank take opposing sides of the same messy divorce, Sebastian is left utterly exhausted. Clearly, not all is well in the world of our beloved detective trio.
The cast themselves have been thrilled to pick up the case files again. Jo Joyner commented:
“I’m so excited to be stepping back into Luella’s bright and fluffy shoes! We have such loyal and brilliant fans who have been asking us daily if we’ll ever be back, so it’s wonderful to finally be able to say yes!”
Meanwhile, Mark Benton added:
“I’m so thrilled to be making the show again. The reaction was phenomenal and hopefully series five will be even better. I can’t wait.”
And Patrick Walshe McBride teased:
“I hope viewers will be interested to find out what the characters have been up to over the last couple of years, and will enjoy accompanying us in a new season of murder and merriment. Anyone for Earl Grey?”
Season 5 has been co-commissioned by BBC Content and UKTV, with production handled by BBC Studios Drama Productions in Birmingham. As with previous seasons, expect a blend of quirky comedy, puzzling mysteries, and a heavy dose of Stratford charm.
‘Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators’ Season 5 premieres Wednesday, 24th September 2025 at 8pm on U&Alibi, with all episodes streaming on demand via Sky, Virgin Media and NOW.
4 comments
It’s a pity it doesn’t premiere on the BBC. Not everyone has Sky and pay channels. This is the norm nowadays.
Totally agree with you us pensioners can’t afford the luxury of Sky
True, but in this case, there probably wouldn’t be a Season 5 if UKTV hadn’t stumped up the money to make it… Plus, it’s coming to the BBC at a later date. It’ll just take a little longer.
About time (was it due to Jo Joyner doing a few drama mini-series for Channel 5?). It has been much missed. Hopefully the male detective who was irritated by Frank will be back as well.
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