Death Valley is an exciting new BBC murder mystery series following an unlikely crime-solving partnership portrayed by Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth - here's details on the plot, cast, location, and start date.

The show is a comedy drama, much like the recent David Mitchell success Ludwig. And it was created and written by the talented Paul Doolan, the man behind Mammoth, and Trollied - so we know we're in safe hands!

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Death Valley on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and BBC iPlayer.

What is Death Valley on BBC Two about? What's the plot?

Death Valley is a new murder mystery, described as a "unique comedy drama". It introduces "eccentric national treasure" John Chapel, a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective TV show Caesar.

He teams up with charismatic Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan to make a rather unlikely crime-solving partnership.

They are thrown together when John's neighbour is murdered. The BBC synopsis tell us: "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."

We're told that when John and Janie are not arguing about a case, they're inevitably being nosy about each other's personal business.

However, despite their differences, they soon realise they are the closest thing each other has to a best friend, and unwittingly help one another move on from the past.

Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC, said: "This series has all the hallmarks of a BBC Comedy classic. It's the perfect comedy drama caper which never forgets the funny. We feel thoroughly spoiled to have such a wonderful cast on board."

How many episodes is it?

Death Valley will be six episodes of 45 minutes long.

The BBC has not yet confirmed if all episodes will drop as a boxset on iPlayer, or if it will be released week by week.

We do know that it will air on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and BBC iPlayer. Watch this space for more news when we get it.

Who's in the cast?

BAFTA-winning Timothy Spall portrays eccentric national treasure John Chapel, a retired actor. A TV legend, he's probably most famous for playing comedic roles, including Frank Stubbs in the series of the same name, Kevin Costello in Outside Edge, and Barry Taylor in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

More recently, he's portrayed the Duke of Norfolk in Wolf Hall, and Peter Farquhar in The Sixth Commandment. He's also been in dozens of films, including Mr Turner, Mike Leigh's Secrets and Lies, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Gwyneth Keyworth stars as disarming Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan. The Welsh actress is best known for portraying Megan Ruddock in excellent BBC crime drama Hidden, Jackie in Power Monkeys, Alison in Wasted, and Danielle in Defending the Guilty.

She recently played Evelyn Anders in Alex Rider, and Becky in Lost Boys & Fairies. Talking about the show, she said: "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."

Meanwhile, Baby Reindeer's Alexandria Riley stars as pathologist Baxter, and O'Dessa's Rithvik Andugula plays DC Evan Chaudhry.

Gavin & Stacey co-stars Steffan Rhodri and Melanie Walters are also in the cast. Steffan plays DCI Clarke, while Melanie stars as Janie's mum Yvonne. One Day's Remy Beasley, and Mammoth's Mike Bubbins complete the main cast.

Guest artists featuring across the series include Sian Gibson, Patricia Hodge, Jim Howick, Colin McFarlane, Amy Trigg, and Vicki Pepperdine.

Where's it set?

Death Valley is set in "various stunning locations" in Wales.

More specifically, filming took place in June 2024 in the seaside town of Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan. Cast and crew were spotted filming on Glebe Street

Filming also took place in Llantwit Major, around St Illtyd's Church and Galilee Chapel on the western edge of the town.

Timothy Spall said: "I'm really looking forward to teaming up with the brilliant Gwyneth Keyworth, and the fantastically talented team of creatives and technicians on this new and unique comedy drama.

"I'm relishing the prospect of getting stuck in as we embark on creating this truly oddball detective duo who develop their unusual combined eccentric skills to hilarious and surprisingly successful effect in beautiful rural Wales and its gorgeous towns and villages."

Meanwhile, Nick Andrews - Head of Commissioning for BBC Wales - said: "Comedy in Wales is in terrific shape! The very best comedians, the very best writers are playing their part in establishing Wales as a very funny place. We always knew this to be true and now the rest of the UK do too."

When's the start date of Death Valley on BBC Two?

The Beeb has not yet confirmed the start date, but we know it's pretty soon.

The series has been filmed, and a premiere for TV journalists (including us) is coming up in April.

So we're hoping the series will drop in May or June.

Talking about the upcoming series, Josh Cole - Head of Comedy at BBC Studios Comedy Productions - said: "With a wonderful cast and Paul's extraordinary scripts, Death Valley is a brilliantly witty and idiosyncratic take on the murder mystery."

Death Valley is coming soon to BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and BBC iPlayer.