Death Valley Starring Timothy Spall: Everything We Know
This brand new BBC cosy crime series is a must-watch for any of you detective drama fans, especially those who enjoy something a little quirkier.
Key Plotlines Of Death Valley
This brand new six-part series follows the classic cosy crime formula of case-of-the-week. Main characters John and Janie quickly become a true dynamic duo with every new case they solve.
John Chapel is a retired actor turned amateur sleuth whose biggest fan is real-world detective DS Janie Mallowan.
This unlikely pair unite to solve murder mysteries both strange and often tongue in cheek as crime continues to unfold in their small, quaint Welsh village.
If you enjoy similar off off-beat, humorous crime shows such as Ludwig, then you will love Death Valley.
The Main Cast Of Death Valley
Image: BBC
Timothy Spall
The actor himself best summed up his character, John Chapel: “John is a retired actor who played the title role of ‘Caesar’ in a hugely successful TV detective series; a period piece, made in the early 2000s and set in the 1950’s.
“At the height of his fame, he disappeared off the face of the earth and he now lives in the same region of rural Wales that the police force is operating in; a bearded recluse who has become a bit of a curmudgeon described by one of the locals as a ‘grumpy old b**tard!”
Timothy Spall is best known for major films including The King’s Speech and the Harry Potter franchise, and for his television role in critically acclaimed Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office as well as his BAFTA award-winning performance in The Sixth Commandment.
Image: BBC
Gwyneth Keyworth
This is what the Welsh actress had to say about her character, Janie Mallowan: “Janie is a police officer, and she really wants to be good at her job. She is enthusiastic at work, but her private life is shut down. She suffered quite a big loss just after finishing school and she hasn’t really recovered from it.
“She doesn’t have a social life and her whole existence is for work. But she is also upbeat and quirky!”
Gwyneth Keyworth is best known for her roles in the sitcom The Great Outdoors and Misfits. She has also appeared in The Crown, Game of Thrones, and more.
Image: BBC
Steffan Rhodri
Detective Chief inspector Barry Clarke, Janie’s boss, is portrayed by Steffan Rhodri. The Welsh actor is a familiar face to any Gavin & Stacey as he plays bus driver Dave Coaches.
He has appeared in other television series such as Steeltown Murders and The Way. Steffan Rhodri also had a small roles blockbuster films Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I, and Wonder Woman.
Image: BBC
Alexandria Riley
Alexandria Riley plays Helen Baxter, a no nonsense pathologist who is close personal friends with Janie. The Welsh actress is best known for her role in The Pembrokeshire Murders, sitcom The Tuckers, and more.
She has also had small parts in television hits Silo and Baby Reindeer.
Where To Watch Death Valley
Death Valley will air every Sunday on BBC One at 8.15pm. Catch up on BBC iPlayer.
Hannah McLaren
I've worked at DC Thomson for six years! I began as an intern at My Weekly and The Scots Magazine, which was extended by a few months to help out at The People's Friend. I then covered maternity as Celebrity Editor for My Weekly, before I became Multimedia Journalist at The Scots Magazine. Currently I'm writing digital content across each title.
