Gavin & Stacey stars join Timothy Spall in BBC comedy drama Death Valley

Gavin & Stacey stars join Timothy Spall in BBC comedy drama Death Valley

As a seasoned film enthusiast with a soft spot for British comedies, I couldn’t help but let out a hearty “Ymlaen!” upon hearing the news about Death Valley. The casting of Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth, coupled with the addition of some familiar faces from Gavin & Stacey, has me more than intrigued.


As a movie enthusiast, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming comedy-drama, Death Valley, with Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth in lead roles. Now, the latest updates suggest that we’ll also see some familiar faces from the beloved series, Gavin & Stacey, joining the cast.

In 2025, a six-part television series is scheduled to air on BBC Two and iPlayer. This series will be based in Wales and will feature an unconventional crime-solving duo: the quirky national treasure John Chapel, played by Spall (who was previously known for his role as a star in the hit fictional detective TV show Caesar), and the charming Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan portrayed by Keyworth.

It’s been confirmed that Steffan Rhodri and Melanie Walters (known as Dave Coaches and Gwen West from the series Gavin & Stacey) are joining the cast. Rhodri will portray DCI Clarke, Janie’s superior and supposed mentor, while Walters will take on the role of Yvonne, Janie’s overly affectionate mother with no boundaries.

New members joining the cast are Alexandria Riley (Baby Reindeer), portraying Baxter – a straightforward pathologist and confidante of Janie’s, and Remy Beasley (One Day), who takes on the role of Rhiannon, an impeccable figure from Janie’s past, with whom she has a history of conflict.

In this production, Mike Bubbins takes on the role of Tony, a desk sergeant who’s unaware of social cues and overly friendly, while Rithvik Andugula portrays DC Evan Chaudhry, a junior police officer who is eager to please and somewhat naive.

Gavin & Stacey stars join Timothy Spall in BBC comedy drama Death Valley

The series boasts a stellar lineup of guest stars, such as Kiell Smith-Bynoe (from Ghosts), Sian Gibson (Murder, They Hope), Patricia Hodge (All Creatures Great and Small), Jim Howick (Here We Go), Karl Johnson (Wolf), Colin McFarlane (The War Between The Land and the Sea), Vicki Pepperdine (Poor Things), Steve Speirs (Inside No.9) and Amy Trigg (Luther).

Initially-revealed snapshots have been unveiled, offering sneak peeks into the roles of actors like Spall, Keyworth, Andugula (as Evan Chaudhry), Riley (as Baxter), and Gibson’s character Wendy in their guest appearance.

Gavin & Stacey stars join Timothy Spall in BBC comedy drama Death Valley

“The Death Valley summary goes like this: John and Janie, an unusual yet amusing pair with contrasting impulses, find themselves teamed up following the murder of John’s neighbor. Week after week, they unravel intriguing murders against the picturesque landscapes of Wales as their backdrop.

Gwyneth Keyworth expressed her excitement about starring in the series by saying: “Murder, mystery, comedy, AND TIMOTHY SPALL! I’m thrilled beyond words. I feel privileged to be a part of a show that not only showcases the beauty and culture of Wales but also its distinctive eccentricities and the humor that embodies its people.

Gavin & Stacey stars join Timothy Spall in BBC comedy drama Death Valley

Simultaneously, creator Paul Doolan stated, “Being a big enthusiast of crime stories and having a knack for comedy, it’s been an absolute joy to witness the series unfold with this fantastic cast of actors and notable guest stars portraying our potential killers.

Death Valley will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in 2025.

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2024-09-11 14:16