Death Valley (British TV series)
| Death Valley | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mystery |
| Created by | Paul Doolan |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Production company | BBC Studios |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC One |
| Release | 25 May 2025 – present |
Death Valley is a 2025 crime mystery television series starring Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth, which premiered on 25 May 2025 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Premise
Set in South Wales, the six-episode 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 television show Caesar, and socially obtuse Detective Sergeant Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth).
Production
The six-part series is written and created by Paul Doolan. Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth were cast in the lead roles in May 2024.[1] Also in the cast are Steffan Rhodri, Alexandria Riley and Melanie Walters. Guest stars include Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Sian Gibson, Patricia Hodge and Jim Howick.[2]
According to Doolan, detective Janie Mallowan takes her name from Agatha Christie's married name, Mallowan, and from Christie's character Jane Marple.[3]
Filming took place in June 2024 in Penarth, particularly Penarth Conservative Club and Penarth Pier, and in Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, including St Illtyd's Church there.[4][5]
Broadcast
The series was shown from 25 May 2025[6] on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.[7]
Cast
Main
- Timothy Spall as John Chapel
- Gwyneth Keyworth as DS Janie Mallowan
- Steffan Rhodri as DCI Barry Clarke
- Alexandria Riley as Helen Baxter
- Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry
Guest
- Melanie Walters as Yvonne
- Patricia Hodge as Helena
- Remy Beasley as Rhiannon
- Mike Bubbins as Tony
- Sian Gibson as Wendy
- Amy Morgan as Sioned
- Steve Speirs as Lloyd
- Eryn Kelleher as Ava
- Nathan Foad as Owen
Reception
The Guardian declared it a quality cosy mystery series, calling it "witty and fun".[8] In The Daily Telegraph Benji Wilson gave the opener four stars out of five; "Timothy Spall’s witty sleuth proves a rival for Ludwig".[9]
References
- ^ Goldbart, Max (19 May 2024). "BAFTA-Winning 'Sixth Commandment' Star Timothy Spall Leading BBC Comedy-Drama 'Death Valley'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
- ^ "Death Valley - the new BBC comedy drama - reveals cast". Comedy.co.uk. 11 September 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ "How much do I love detectives? My dog's called Dorothy L Sayers..." Chortle. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
- ^ "BBC's Death Valley starring Timothy Spall films in Penarth". Penarth Times. 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ Jones, Indigo (25 May 2025). "BBC Death Valley's full list of Welsh filming locations". Wales Online.
- ^ "Gavin & Stacey stars join Timothy Spall in BBC comedy drama Death Valley". radiotimes.com. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ White, George (20 May 2024). "Timothy Spall leads new BBC comedy murder mystery Death Valley". Radio Times. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ Mangan, Lucy (25 May 2025). "Death Valley review – Timothy Spall's quality new detective drama is a cosy, witty joy". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ^ Wilson, Benji. "Death Valley, review: Timothy Spall's witty sleuth proves a rival for Ludwig". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 27 May 2025.