The BBC has released the first images from ‘The Last Detectives’, a new six-part crime drama bringing murder mysteries, second chances and a rather lovely stretch of Welsh coastline to BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
Previously announced as ‘Old Town Murders’, the series comes from Matthew Barry, creator of ‘Men Up’ and ‘The Guest’, and Quay Street Productions. Set in Tenby, it pairs two detectives whose understanding of one another could prove invaluable when unpicking the secrets beneath the seaside town’s picturesque exterior. Lovely beaches, beautiful views and a succession of suspicious deaths. Perhaps check the police incident log before booking that holiday…
Leading the cast are Mark Lewis Jones (‘Baby Reindeer’, ‘The Crown’) as DI Glyn Walsh and Steffan Rhodri (‘Steeltown Murders’, ‘Men Up’) as DS Sion Dearden. Their partnership sits at the centre of the drama, with the pair navigating complex investigations, unexpected twists and long-buried secrets while also finding a new beginning in their own lives.
The newly released pictures introduce the wider investigative team, including Bethan Mary-James (‘The Guest’, ‘Death Valley’) as DC Remy Jones, Jordan Davies as DC Neil Miller, and Julie Graham (‘This City Is Ours’, ‘Time’) as forensic biologist Pamela Thomas. Catherine Ayers (‘The Guest’, ‘Missing You’) also stars.
The images take the team from the steps of South Pembrokeshire Police Station to the beach and into the office, offering a first glimpse of the people tasked with keeping this beautiful corner of Wales safe. Elsewhere, a concerned figure in a dark hallway and a shocked reaction to a fire suggest there will be plenty to disturb the coastal calm.
Across six hour-long episodes, each murder case will unfold over two instalments, giving the detectives time to work through the mysteries and their complications. That structure also leaves room for the relationships within the team, with new beginnings, personal crossroads and second chances woven through the investigations.
While the setting should provide plenty of scenery to admire, Barry’s focus is firmly on the people doing the detecting. The BBC describes the series as grounded in character and filled with wit and humour, with two detectives thrust together by circumstance finding fresh purpose. There may be grim discoveries ahead, but the friendship at its heart promises some warmth alongside the police work.
“I’m beyond excited to be re-teaming with Quay Street and the BBC to bring The Last Detectives to the screen. It’s a story about finding friendship and meaning in later life, through the lens of a thrilling police procedural. I can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with Sion, Glyn and the stunning backdrop of Tenby.”
Behind the camera, Barry serves as writer, creator and executive producer, with Hannah Daniel writing episode four. Andy Newbery directs the opening four episodes and also executive produces, while Rhys Carter directs episodes five and six. Guy Hescott is the series producer.
Davina Earl and Nicola Shindler executive produce for Quay Street Productions, part of ITV Studios, with Rebecca Ferguson executive producing for the BBC. The series is a co-commission with BBC Cymru Wales, with Nick Andrews also serving as co-commissioner.
Filming took place in Tenby, Cardiff and along the South Wales coastline, with Welsh Government support through Creative Wales. ITV Studios will handle international distribution.
‘The Last Detectives’ will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. A UK premiere date has yet to be confirmed.
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