John Chapel and Janie Mallowan make an unlikely pair. He’s a somewhat spoiled actor, famous for playing a detective on TV, while she’s a police inspector who can be a bit immature. It’s no surprise they clash as they investigate murders in the Welsh Valleys.
Despite the intense rivalry their characters portray in Death Valley, actors Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth get along famously off-camera. They’re so enthusiastic about the show that they’ve even started brainstorming ideas for four future seasons!
Timothy, you typically avoid revisiting characters you’ve played before. What was it about the ‘Death Valley’ project that made you want to return?
Timothy Spall explained that the project didn’t initially come with strict requirements, which he generally prefers. The creative team originally thought the character of John needed more depth. After Spall joined, he talked with them about the nuances of acting and the dynamic between John and Janie. He was drawn to the role because it wasn’t simple or predictable; it had the potential to grow and evolve.
Gwyneth Keyworth and I brainstorm ideas for the show together. If one of us likes an idea, we’ll both encourage the other to pitch it to the producers, offering full support.
Have you grown closer making the series?
GWYNETH Particularly on this series, we got close.
For Timothy, strong relationships are all about mutual support – like chemistry! He sees it as two things combining to create something special and indescribable.
Gwyneth Paltrow loves to ask her husband, Chris Martin, about his most memorable filming locations. While everyone knows about his work on Harry Potter and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, he’s been in countless movies. She once told her how he filmed a scene in the jungle without any shoes!
Did you know each other before you worked together?
You know, I’d actually worked with Rafe Spall – Tim Spall’s son – before, when we both were in a stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s funny, when you meet a genuinely kind person, you automatically assume their family must be lovely too. And in this case, I definitely wasn’t wrong. Working with Tim was a real pleasure, just as I expected!
TIMOTHY Rafe’s a good actor and good fella! I don’t know where he gets it – must be his mum.
Chapel is a pretentious actor – were you channeling anyone in particular?
I’ve never had anyone accuse me of stealing their ideas directly. Mostly, it’s about holding back—knowing I could come up with something great if I wasn’t so self-conscious. I think to myself, ‘Wow, that’s a good idea,’ but then worry saying it out loud will make me sound pretentious.
What are the main differences between you and your characters?
Gwyneth admits she’d make a really bad detective. She says that even while reading mystery scripts, she’s surprised by who the killer turns out to be – so clearly, any investigative talent hasn’t come naturally to her.
John and I are both actors, but while I’m consistently working, he hasn’t been as busy lately. It seems like he’s focusing on explaining his acting methods instead.
But like you, Tim, Chapel has graced the cover of TopMob…
I actually have those pictures hanging up at home, right next to photos of my actual awards! There’s one of me dressed as one of the Three Musketeers, and another where I’m playing Fagin. It’s really sweet – a lovely honor.
It’s a very Welsh series – what do the people of Wales make of it?
People really connect with my Welsh identity. I once saw a negative comment online criticizing my accent, but it was amazing to see so many Welsh people defending me in the replies. It was a really heartwarming experience.
You know, I got to switch on the Christmas lights in Penarth last year – a real honor, and I did it with the mayor! It’s funny, it makes me think about my whole career, really. It feels like I’ve just been… tolerated for a long time, in a good way, of course! Like people are putting up with me, but in a charming sort of fashion.
Death Valley has been called “cosy crime” – what do you make of that?
I hadn’t heard the term before and initially assumed it was negative. However, I now understand it’s actually appealing because it avoids focusing on truly dark or depressing subjects. While it does involve crime, people are drawn in by its cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Things are really difficult in the world right now, and it’s important to acknowledge that. But sometimes you need a break to recharge so you can keep going. With our show, we offer viewers 45 minutes of something lighthearted where problems can be fixed – a little escape.
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In this series there have already been murders in a fishing village, a rugby club – what’s next?
I recall a crew member mentioning they’d love to feature Caesar in an entire episode. So, if we get a sixth season, a Christmas special with him is definitely a possibility.
Gwyneth would love to do a Caesar episode featuring Janie as a new character – someone with a refined accent who’s an energetic assistant. She also has ideas for quirky, uniquely Welsh settings like a murder mystery at a male voice choir or a disco held at a young farmers’ event, drawing inspiration from her own upbringing.
This show feels very much like a classic BBC production. In this special issue, we’re asking readers for their opinions about the BBC – what do you think?
The BBC often faces criticism and constantly has to justify its existence, but it creates fantastic content. Think of shows like Death Valley, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, The Traitors, and Half Man – all for just 50p a day! It’s an incredible value, in my opinion.
Death Valley is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Authors
Huw Fullerton works as a Commissioning Editor at TopMob magazine, where he focuses on content related to entertainment, comedy, and specialized dramatic productions.
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2026-06-15 19:39