BBC One is putting a meta spin on the murder mystery with Death Valley, a new crime drama headlined by Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth and set to premiere Sunday, May 25 at 8:15 PM GMT.
The six-part series pairs Spall—a BAFTA winner known for both prestige dramas and off-kilter character work—with Keyworth (Hidden, Industry) in a comedic procedural built around an unlikely detective duo: a retired TV star with delusions of sleuthing grandeur, and a no-nonsense Welsh cop navigating small-town politics and major cases.
Spall plays John Chapel, a washed-up actor best remembered for his role as fictional detective Charles Caesar. When he inserts himself into a local case—a suspicious suicide that smells like a cover-up—he winds up entangled with DS Janie Mallowan (Keyworth), who’s less than thrilled by the interference… until forensics back his theory.
Created by Paul Doolan and directed by Bafta Cymru winner Ashley Way, the series blends character-driven mystery with wry humor, tracking Chapel and Mallowan’s odd-couple dynamic as they tackle a new case each week. The premiere revolves around the death of Carwyn Rees, a property developer with no shortage of enemies, from a rival businessman to a vengeful widow and an eco-activist with a motive.
The core cast includes Steffan Rhodri as DCI Barry Clarke, Alexandria Riley as Helen Baxter, and Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry. Guest stars in the opener include Amy Griffiths, Oliver Ryan, and Marilyn Cutts.
Death Valley is produced by BBC Studios, with lush Welsh landscapes providing the backdrop for its offbeat procedural beats. The series was announced as part of BBC’s 2024-25 scripted slate and launches into a competitive Sunday slot that’s previously been home to Happy Valley and Vigil.
