Death Valley - the new BBC comedy drama - reveals cast
Steffan Rhodri, Alexandria Riley and Melanie Walters are joining Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth in the regular cast of Death Valley, the new comedy drama coming to BBC One Wales (and BBC Two outside of Wales).
Meanwhile it's been confirmed guest stars will include Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Sian Gibson, Patricia Hodge and Jim Howick.
The six-part murder mystery, written by Paul Doolan, follows the unlikely crime-solving partnership between eccentric national treasure John Chapel (Timothy Spall), a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective TV show Caesar, and disarming Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth).
Thrown together by the murder of John's neighbour, John and Janie are "an odd, yet hilarious duo with opposing instincts". Every week, they get to the bottom of gripping murders, with various stunning Welsh locations providing a backdrop to their investigations.
Gwyneth Keyworth says: "Murder. Mystery. Comedy. AND TIMOTHY SPALL! I'm absolutely buzzing. I'm grateful to be working on a show that truly celebrates Wales - not just its landscapes and culture, but also its unique quirks and the humour that defines its people."
Paul Doolan comments: ''I'm such a huge fan of the crime genre and I love writing comedy, so it's been a delight to see the show come to life with such a brilliant array of actors and guest stars for our murder suspects."
Steffan Rhodri will play DCI Clarke - Janie's boss and "so-called mentor!"; Alexandria Riley takes on the roles of Baxter, a straight talking pathologist and friend of Janie; Melanie Walters is Yvonne, Janie's 'no boundaries' mother; Remy Beasley plays Rhiannon, the picture of perfection and an old adversary from Janie's past; Mike Bubbins is Tony - the un-self-aware and overly friendly Desk Sergeant; and Rithvik Andugula takes on the part of DC Evan Chaudhry - the eager to please and somewhat naïve junior police officer.
Karl Johnson, Colin McFarlane, Vicki Pepperdine, Steve Speirs and Amy Trigg are amongst those taking on the guest roles.
Death Valley - which will be made up of six 45 minute episodes - will be broadcast in 2025.