Death Valley on BBC One: Cast list of new murder mystery led by Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth
Helen Fear | 10:46am Sat 24 May | Updated 5:19pm Thu 29 MayDeath Valley, a brand new murder mystery on BBC One, introduces an unlikely crime-solving duo played by Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth in the cast.
Described as a “unique comedy drama”, it follows “eccentric national treasure” John Chapel, a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective TV show Caesar.
When his neighbour is found dead, John finds himself crime-solving for real when he teams up with Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan… And let’s be clear here, they are BOTH very eccentric.
Here’s everything you need to know about the cast of BBC One comedy Death Valley…
Timothy Spall plays John Chapel
TV legend Timothy Spall plays TV legend John Chapel in the cast of Death Valley on BBC One. And if that isn’t art imitating life then we don’t know what is!
Retired actor, and former star of a popular detective series, the rather conceited John Chapel is thrown into a real life mystery when his neighbour is found dead. When DS Janie Mallowan arrives to investigate when she thinks is a suicide, John soon tells her he thinks it’s a murder.
And when forensics prove him right, she invites him to help her crack the case. Henceforth, a wonderful partnership is born…
Of course, London-born Timothy Spall is known for his work across TV, film, and theatre in a career that spans nearly 50 years. With an OBE tucked securely under his ever-decreasing belt, the actor is perhaps best known for playing Barry Taylor in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.
His comedic roles in TV shows include Vince in The Thing About Vince, Kevin Costello in Outside Edge with Vera‘s Brenda Blethyn, and Frank Stubbs in the series of the same name.
The 68-year-old dad of Trying star Rafe is also known for his work in period dramas. Most notably, Fagin in Oliver Twist, Lord Clarence Emsworth in Blandings, and Maurice Grosse in spooky The Enfield Haunting.
Most recently, he’s appeared in some hard hitting dramas, including The Sixth Commandment, where he played murder victim Peter Farquhar, and Wolf Hall, in which he portrayed the Duke of Norfolk.
Film fans will know he’s been in dozens of acclaimed films, such as Mr Turner, Secrets & Lies, Denial, The Damned United, and Life is Sweet. He’s also played Wormtail in the Harry Potter franchise.
Death Valley on BBC One cast: Gwyneth Keyworth stars as DS Janie Mallowan
Welsh-speaking actress Gwyneth Keyworth plays ambitious young detective Janie Mallowan in the comic crime drama. Her surprise encounter with the retired actor who played her TV cop show hero changes her life – and his.
Gwyneth, 34, is probably best known for portraying Megan Ruddock in the excellent BBC crime drama Hidden. Like Death Valley, Hidden was a detective series set and filmed in Wales. The series ran from 2018 to 2022.
The actress, who was born in Aberystwyth, is also famous for playing Evelyn Anders in the 2021 series of Alex Rider, Noni in Welsh-language romantic drama Fflam, and Becka Cole in Dawn French sitcom The Trouble with Maggie Cole.
Between 2018 and 2019, Gwyneth starred as Danielle in Defending the Guilty, opposite Rivals actress Katherine Parkinson. Other notable roles include Lady Augusta Gresham in Doctor Thorne, Jackie in Power Monkeys, Alison in Wasted, and Ela in Bang.
Most recently, she’s portrayed Becky in 2024’s Lost Boys & Fairies. She has spoken openly about having ADHD.
Steffan Rhodri portrays DCI Barry Clarke
Swansea-born Steffan Rhodri, 58, portrays Janie Mallowan’s boss DCI Barry Clarke in the cast of Death Valley. And we’re pretty sure you’re going to love the character.
The actor is probably best known for portraying bus driver Dave Coaches in the comedy series Gavin & Stacey. Fans will know that the character was in love with Gwen, but sadly for him it wasn’t to be…
Steffan has been on our screens for nearly three decades, having first appeared as Hunky in the film Twin Town opposite Dougray Scott.
He went on to play Gerry Cutler in Doctors, Vic Reed in Love Me, and Judge Gwyn Daniels in Keeping Faith. Death Valley is not the first time he’s played a copper either. In 2017, Steffan starred as DI Cleveland in Apple Tree Yard, before he played D.C.S Michael Challes in A Very English Scandal, DC Neil Jones in Manhunt, and DS Alex Blair in Wild Bill.
Other notable roles include King Hywel in The Last Kingdom, Alun in Welsh language drama Yr Amgueddfa, Jeremy in Temple, Perry in In My Skin, and Larry in We Hunt Together.
He’s also known for playing Lord Hobert Hightower in House of the Dragon, Phil ‘Bach’ Rees in Steeltown Murders, Christy Pearce in Fifteen-Love, and Admiral George Kenton in Das Boot.
In 2024, Steffan portrayed Geoff in the Michael Sheen-directed civil-rest drama The Way.
He’s been in multiple films, too, including Under Milk Wood, Wonder Woman, Don’t Breathe 2, and Men Up, opposite Unforgotten’s Phaldut Sharma.
Like his Death Valley co-star Timothy Spall, Stefann has also appeared in Harry Potter. He played Reg Cattermole in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
Alexandria Riley plays Helen Baxter
Actress Alexandria Riley, from Newport in South Wales, plays Helen Baxter in the cast of BBC One’s Death Valley.
She’s probably best known for portraying Natalie Tucker in the comedy The Tuckers, or Ms Morgan in the darkly comic coming-of-age series In My Skin.
She’s been on our screens since 2017, when she played Tracy in the Welsh crime drama Bang. She went on to play Leigh in The End of the F***ing World, DI Ella Richards in The Pembrokeshire Murders, DC Anford in The Pact, and Yvonne in The Outlaws.
Between 2017 and 2023, she’s been the voice of Ng in the Torchwood: The Story Continues podcast.
And you could say she’s having a pretty busy few years, having recently popped up in some seriously good dramas. Just last year, she played Culver in Baby Reindeer, Sharon in Lost Boys & Fairies, and Camille Sims in Silo.
Jim Howick plays Constable Atkins in episode 1 and 6
Comedian, writer, and actor Jim Howick joins the cast of Death Valley in episode 1 (very briefly) and episode 6. He portrays Constable Atkins in the fictional TV series Caesar.
Chichester-born Jim, 46, is probably best known for his work with Them There, the creative collective behind Horrible Histories, Yonderland, and Ghosts.
Between 2009 and 2015, Jim played various characters in Horrible Histories, including Napoleon. In 2013, he and the HH team embarked on Yonderland, which came to an end in 2016. Ghosts came next, in which Jim played former scout leader Pat Butcher.
A man of many talents (but mostly making people laugh), Jim is also famous for playing Thundermonkey in No Heroics, Anthony in Reggie Perrin opposite Out There actor Martin Clunes, Gerard Matthew in Peep Show, and Josh in Loaded.
He’s also flexed his comedic muscles in sketch shows, including The Kevin Bishop Show, and The Armstrong and Miller Show. He can go straight, too, having played Harry in 3 Body Problem, and DS Parks in Hollington Parks.
More recently, Jim portrayed Jamie Barton in the Death in Paradise 2024 Christmas special, Bernard in Murder, They Hope, and The Verderer in The Change.
The very funny Jim also appears in the continuing sitcom Here We Go, playing dad Paul Jessop. Fans will already know that there’s a series 3 coming very soon.
Jim’s film roles have included Cpl. Matlin in 2004’s Hellboy.
Melanie Walters plays Janie’s mum Yvonne in the Death Valley cast
Swansea-born actress Melanie Walters, 63, portrays Janie’s mum – aka Yvonne ‘I’m speechless’ Mallowan (although she never actually is) – and makes her first appearance in episode 2.
Of course, she’s best known for playing Stacey’s mum Gwen West in the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey in all three series and subsequent specials.
She’s also famous for portraying Gran in the children’s TV series Biff & Chip, based on the educational books, Nain Griffiths in The Snow Spider, Kitty in Pitching In, and Genevieve in The Collection.
Melanie has been on out screens ever since 1987, when she played Milwen Parry in The District Nurse. She went on to star as Helen Powell in Welsh drama We Are Seven, Sylvie in Jack of Hearts, Bonnie Bevan in Hollyoaks, and vampire Emma in the third series of Being Human.
She’s also popped up in TV series such as Coronation Street, The Bill, Dangerfield, Holby City, Stella, Father Brown, and Doc Martin.
Vicki Pepperdine stars as Anne Treadway in episode 2
The always-funny Vicki Pepperdine, 63, portrays ferocious rambler Anne Treadway in Death Valley episode 2.
The London-born actress is perhaps best known for her comedic roles in sitcoms such as Camping, High & Dry, Nighty Night, Sally4Ever, Rhona, and Up the Women.
Also a writer, she co-wrote and starred in the BBC Four dark comedy Getting On with Jo Brand and Joanna Scanlan. She played Dr Pippa Moore in the series, which ran on and off from 2009 to 2015.
Vicki is also known for her more traditional roles, including Ann Dobbin in 1998’s Vanity Fair, Mrs Richards in Doc Martin, Mrs Michelson in The Woman in White, and Mrs Pascoe in the film My Cousin Rachel.
In 2019, Vicky portrayed Broadbent in Rob Lowe comedy drama Wild Bill, before going on to play Karen Saxton in The Trouble with Maggie Cole, Aunt Sally in Worzel Gummidge, and DSI Susan Smart in We Hunt Together.
More recently, she’s starred as Princess Anne in The Windsors, Bernadette Hoburn in Bad Education, and Lydia in The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Vicky famously played Mrs Prim in the multi-award-winning film Poor Things, too.
Steve Speirs plays Chris Grant in Death Valley episode 3
Welsh actor Steve Speirs, 60, was actually born in Troedyrhiw, Glamorgan, so he’ll be very familiar with some of the filming locations in Death Valley. He plays father of the bride Chris Grant in the cast of Death Valley episode 3.
He’s best known for his comedic roles, including Steve in Sadie J, Mr Barber in Big School, and Big Alan in Stella. Between 2016 and 2018, he starred as Burbage in Upstart Crow, opposite Ludwig‘s David Mitchell.
In 2020, Steve first played Glyn Tucker in the sitcom The Tuckers, which he also created and wrote. The BBC One Wales series ran for three series until 2022.
Other notable roles include Albert Thomas in We Are Seven, his first ever TV role, Strickland in Doctor Who, William Pentlow in City of Vice, Norse Dave in No Heroics, and Wormwood in Sean Bean‘s Sharpe.
In 2009, he played Loquasto in Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire, before going on to portray Tel in Rovers, Steve in Storyline, and Dog Waste Man in Ricky Gervais comedy After Life. More recently, he starred as Slasher Sam Byrne in one episode of Mrs Brown’s Boys.
His film roles include Captain Tarpals in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, and Mr Kent in Topsy-Turvy (both in 1999), as well as
Kiell Smith Bynoe stars as Aaron James in episode 3 of Death Valley
London-born Kiell Smith Bynoe, 36, stars as groom Aaron James in the cast of Death Valley episode 3. In the third instalment of the comedy, John and Janie disagree on how to investigate the untimely death of a best man.
Of course, Ghosts fans will know Kiell Smith Bynoe very well from playing Mike Cooper in the BBC sitcom. It’s a role he played from 2019 and 2023, when the show’s creators decided it was time for the show to end.
Like many of his co-stars, Kiell is probably most famous for his comedy roles, including Keith in 2017 gameshow Cheap Cheap Cheap with Noel Edmonds (remember him!?).
Other notable roles include Jovell Maynard in Man Like Mobeen, Dean in Stath Lets Flats, Denzel in Live at the Moth Club, and Spence in Dreamland.
He appeared as various roles in Horrible Histories, and often voices animated characters. For example, in Hilda, and its film sequel Hilda and the Mountain King.
Sian Gibson guest stars as Wendy Harries in episode 4
Flintshire-born actress Sian Gibson guest stars as Wendy Harries in the cast of Death Valley episode 4 – during which John goes undercover at an amateur dramatics group to help Janie solve a case.
The 48-year-old actress is most likely recognised for her work with Peter Kay. She played Kayleigh Kitson in Car Share between 2015 and 2020, for which she won the 2016 BAFTA TV Award for Best Scripted Comedy, and the National Television Award for Best Comedy. Before that, she’s played Young Mary in 2001’s Phoenix Nights, and Yvonne in That Peter Kay Thing.
From 2018 to 2019, Sian portrayed Natasha in Romesh Ranganathan’s The Reluctant Landlord. She went on to Kath in The Power of Parker, Mel in Mammoth, and Gemma in Murder, They Hope.
Other notable roles include Trish in The League of Gentlemen, Tessie in Hollyoaks, and Suzie Brown in Emmerdale.
Death Valley guest cast: Patricia Hodge plays Helena Hart in episode 5
Lincolnshire-born Patricia Hodge, 78, joins the cast of Death Valley as Helena Hart. The actress appears in episode 5, in which John and Janie are stuck in a countryside manor after a murder mystery party goes wrong.
Patricia has been on our screens for more than five decades, but these days is probably known best for playing overbearing mother Penny in Miranda, and Mrs Pumphrey in the Channel 5 reboot of All Creatures Great & Small.
She famously played Phyllida Trant in Rumpole of the Bailey, from 1978 to 1992. Roles in the 80s included Sybilla Howarth in The Other ‘Arf, Penny Milburn in Holding the Fort, and the leading part of Jemima Shore in Jemima Shore Investigates.
Other notable roles include Geraldine Hackstraw in The Legacy of Reginald Perrin, Georgina Sweet in Sweet Medicine, and Ursula Thorpe in A Very English Scandal. Patricia has been in multiple film roles over her career, too, including The Elephant Man, Betrayal, and The Laureate opposite Malpractice’s Tom Hughes.
Colin McFarlane plays Bill Marcus in episode 5
London-born Colin McFarlane, 63, guest stars as Bill Marcus in the cast of Death Valley on BBC One. The actor appears in episode 5, which also stars Patricia Hodge.
Colin is famous for his various roles on the comedy sketch show The Fast Show, which ran from 1994 to 2000. But he can also play it straight, in TV series such as Judge John Deed, where he played Mason Allen, QC, and Outlander, in which he played Ulysses.
In 2010, he starred as Mr Fox in the Martin Clunes reboot of Reggie Perrin. He’s also portrayed Mr Jordan in Coronation Street, Dr Muhahaha in Hounded, Bill Jackson in Collision, and General Pierce in Torchwood.
He’s actually very famous for lending his voice to TV shows. As well as voicing The Cube in the US version of the Phillip Schofield show, he’s also PC Malcolm Williams in Fireman Sam, Bulgy in Thomas & Friends, and various roles in Little Princess.
Karl Johnson plays Dennis Williams in Death Valley episode 5
Welsh actor Karl Johnson, 77, plays Dennis Williams in the jam-packed cast of Death Valley episode 5.
He’s been on our screens for more than 50 years, ever since 1973 when he played himself in the children’s TV series Rainbow. Early roles as an actor included Paul Morel in Sons and Lovers, Dave Gillespie in Rules of Engagement, and Hughie Jones in The Lifeboat.
Between 2000 and 2001, he starred as Robert Jackson in the Ross Kemp detective drama Without Motive, before going on to play Porcius Cato in Rome, and Twister Turrill in Lark Rise to Candleford.
More recently, he’s probably most famous for playing Reg in Mum between 2016 and 2019, opposite Sherwood‘s Lesley Manville.
In the past few years, Karl has popped up in several big dramas, including Keeping Faith, Too Close, Suspicion, Halo, and Wolf.
In 2023, he played Bill Newman in The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies, and the next year starred as Tom in Channel 4‘s Truelove.
Who else is in the cast of BBC One’s Death Valley?
Oliver Ryan stars as Ceri Richardson in episode 1. The jobbing actor has popped up in dozens of TV shows, including Holby City, Midsomer Murders, Father Brown, Hinterland, and Stella.
He is perhaps most famous for playing Sergeant Guy Hughes in the hard-hitting Sarah Lancashire drama The Accident, Andrew Cooper in The Pembrokeshire Murders, Roger Hammond in Pennyworth, and Mihangel Pugh in The Red King.
Other notable roles include DCS Ray Allen in Steeltown Murders and, more recently, CH Supt. Moir Stewart in Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.
Amy Griffiths is Danielle Rees in the cast of Death Valley in BBC One. She’s best known for playing Cecily MacNeil in Moonflowers Murders. Other notable roles include Ann Lunn in Endeavour, Rebecca Knightley in The Chelsea Detective, Aspen in Gavin & Stacey, and Meg Roberts in Out There.
Zadeiah Campbell-Davies plays Mel Davies. She’s known for playing Poppy in In My Skin, as well as Emily in Wolf, and Indra in Emerald City.
Wheelchair-user Amy Trigg, who was born with spina bifida, stars as Amber Ward in episode 6. She is best known for playing Agnes in The Little Big Things, for which she won the Olivier Award as Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a musical in 2024.
She’s also played Miss Lambert in Everything Now, Claire in Such Brave Girls, Mrs Judd in Amandaland, and Louise Fordwater in Grace series 5 episode 2.
Lu Corfield stars as walker Leah Jones in episode 2. She’s best known for playing Lowri Bain in The Red King, Emma Hemmings in Showtrial, and Dr Freya Wilson in Doctors. She also appeared as Eva Andric in the cast of Paramount+ thriller The Crow Girl.
Welsh stand-up comedian Mike Bubbins stars as Desk Sergeant Tony. He’s known for playing Tony Mammoth in Mammoth, and Wyn in mockumentary Tourist Trap.
Amy Morgan stars as Sioned Grant in episode 3. She’s best known for playing Heidi McKinnon in Showtrial series 1, Shelly in Baker Boys, and Grace Selfridge in Mr Selfridge.
Remy Beasley plays Rhiannon Hopkins in episodes 3, 4 and 6. She’s famous for playing Beyonce in Stella, Hari in Tourist Trap, and Meg Hooton in Nightsleeper.
Death Valley on BBC One full cast list:
Main cast list
Timothy Spall stars as John Chapel/Inspector Charles Caesar.
Gwyneth Keyworth is DS Janie Mallowan.
Steffan Rhodri portrays DCI Barry Clarke.
Alexandria Riley plays Helen Baxter.
Jim Howick as Constable Atkins in episode 1 and 6.
Melanie Walters is also in the cast as Janie’s mum Yvonne.
Mike Bubbins stars as Desk Sergeant Tony.
O’Dessa actor Rithvik Andugula portrays DC Evan Chaudhry.
Episiode 1 cast
Oliver Ryan stars as Ceri Richardson.
Steve Meo plays the postman. He’s known for playing Grant in Grownups, Hoffman in High Hopes, and Rufus Donahue in Coronation Street.
Mammoth’s Nia Trussler Jones stars as lady in cafe.
Black Ops’ Colin Hoult plays Des.
Group’s Lucy Walters stars as Sue.
Newcomer Kristan Arthur as murder victim Carwyn Rees.
Julie Barclay – Mrs Warren in Belgravia: The Next Chapter – stars as Debbie.
Amy Griffiths is Danielle Rees.
Zadeiah Campbell-Davies plays Mel Davies.
Bettrys Jones – Ginger Thomas in Midsomer Murders – stars as Alys Evans.
Marilyn Cutts – aka Connie Murdock in Home Invasion – is Joyce Pugh.
Newcomer Eryn Kelleher portrays Ava.
Episode 2 cast
Vicki Pepperdine stars as Anne Treadway in episode 2.
Lu Corfield stars as Leah Jones in episode 2.
Lawrence Walker – aka Dangleberries in Our Girl – plays Ryan.
Mali Harries, from Hinterland and Keeping Faith, stars as Bronwen Richards.
Lost Boys & Fairies’ Dylan Malyn plays Steffan Richards.
Stuntwoman Stevie Parker stars as Veronica Mount.
Unforgotten’s Shreya M Patel is Cheryl.
Torchwood’s Kerry Joy Stewart portrays Marged.
Living a Lie’s Rhodri Melir is Aeron.
Crunch’s Andrew Lennon is Andrew.
Episode 3
Amy Morgan stars as Sioned Grant in episode 3.
Steve Speirs plays Chris Grant.
Kiell Smith Bynoe portrays groom Aaron James.
Delicious’ Benjamin Sarpong-Broni plays Nathan James.
Bad Education star Rhys Taylor plays the photographer.
Ar y Ffin’s Aisha-May Hunte stars as the photographer’s assistant.
Stuntman Martin Gordon portrays best man Gethin Bennion.
Remy Beasley is Rhiannon Hopkins in episode 3, 4 and 6.
The Tuckers’ star John Weldon is badger-obsessed Hywel.
Episode 4
Sian Gibson stars as Wendy Harries.
Vahid Gold – aka AJ Javadi in CBBC series World’s End – plays Ben Yarwood.
Remy Beasley is Rhiannon Hopkins in episode 3, 4 and 6.
Hoff the Record actor Fergus Craig plays Greg Pickton.
After Life’s Kath Hughes stars as Linda Humphreys.
Father Brown’s Pina Harrington is Menna Hughes.
Pobol y Cwm star William Thomas portrays Leonard Price.
Mark Silcox – aka Uncle Shady in Man Like Mobeen – plays Ketan Parad.
Episode 5
Patricia Hodge stars as Helena Hart.
Karl Johnson plays Dennis Williams.
Colin McFarlane is Bill Marcus.
Nathan Foad – aka Lucius Spriggs in Our Flag Means Death – portrays Owen Hart.
Bang’s Charlotte O’Leary stars as Izzy Eldwick.
Blackbeard’s Wendy Mae Brown plays Patty Marcus.
Newcomer Ainsley Fitzpatrick stars as victim Anthony Hart.
Episode 6 cast list
Jim Howick returns as Constable Atkins.
Amy Trigg stars as Amber Ward.
Remy Beasley returns as Rhiannon Hopkins.
35 Awr star Iestyn Arwel portrays Rhys Hopkins.
Mad Men’s Jennifer Sims plays Jenny.
Right Now’s Robert Cawsey is Gav.
Pobol y Cwm’s Carli De’La Hughes stars as Becky Walsh.
Stella’s Craig Gallivan portrays victim Dean Ward.
Lost Boys & Fairies’ Arwel Gruffydd plays Mr Wynn.
Cyswllt’s Garyn Williams is Harrison Desford.
Hard Cell’s Catherine Morris plays a young mum.
Man Down’s Sian Harries is Carol.
Pobol y Cwm’s Siw Hudges plays Audrey Ward.
Living a Lie’s Rhodri Meilir portrays Aeron.
