The Hairdresser Mysteries is a brand new “nostalgic” cosy crime drama coming to the BBC in the coming months, and here’s everything you need to know about the Sally Phillips led series.

The new TV show is an “original, homegrown drama” from the West Midlands. It’s one of two new dramas planned, with the aim to “showcase the commitment to investing in the region and across the UK”.

This follows series such as Silent Witness and MasterChef, that have gone into pre-production from new bases in Digbeth.

Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming series, including, plot, start date, location, and cast.

What is the plot of The Hairdresser Mysteries?

The BBC has commissioned two new dramas from the West Midlands, the first being cosy crime The Hairdresser Mysteries.

The channel describe The Hairdresser Mysteries as “a nostalgic nod to the 70s”. Sally Phillips stars as Lily Petal, a “high-end hairdresser”. She decides to opt out of the competitive city scene to buy a small village hairdressers at the top of a cobbled street.

The BBC synopsis tells us: “Everyone tells their hairdresser everything and soon Lily is at the hub of her new village’s secrets and revelations. And, with her own brand of uncannily highly-developed, hairdressing intuitive empathy and understanding, solves the village mysteries.”

Playwright and screen writer Jim Cartwright penned the series. TV and film addicts will know him best for Little Voice, Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise, and Coronation Street.

This female-led crime caper has the potential to be a huge hit. Much like Whitstable Pearl, Murder Most Puzzling, and The Madame Blanc Mysteries.

How many episodes it is? How can I watch it?

The Hairdresser Mysteries will be six episodes of 45 minutes each.

Although very little has been revealed about the upcoming series as yet, we do know it will air on BBC in the daytime. This follows series such as Father Brown, and Sister Boniface Mysteries.

Where was The Hairdresser Mysteries filmed?

Filming for The Hairdresser Mysteries will begin this September (2025) across the West Midlands.

This is part of a huge BBC initiative to make the Beeb less London-centric. In the past year, we’ve had This City is Ours, and Unforgivable in Liverpool, Silent Witness’ move from London to Birmingham, and Virdee in Bradford.

Personally, we love seeing different parts of the UK on our screens. Thank you The Guest for showing us the beauty of Wales, and there’s always Shetland for its stunning filming locations…

As well as confirming The Hairdresser Mysteries, the BBC also revealed another new drama. The Detection Club is set in 1930s London – the golden age of detective fiction.

The crime drama sees three of the most famous crime writers of the time join forces to solve real-life murders. We’re talking Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers and G.K. Chesterton.

The synopsis tells us: “Honing their craft within the hallowed walls of a secret London location, the three writers come together after receiving an invitation that leads them to their first real murder case.

“The series follows the trio as they work together to crack cases, all to the despair of D.I. Greenway a young, rookie, real-life detective.”

The Detection Club will be filmed in 2026.

When’s the start date?

Cast and crew start filming The Hairdresser Mysteries in September 2025. So, sadly, it will be a while before we get to see it on our screens.

We’re hoping the six-part series will arrive on the BBC in 2026.

Who’s in the  cast?

Sally Phillips take the lead role of Lily Petal in The Hairdresser Mysteries. The comedic actress is perfectly placed to lead a cosy crime drana, and will be well known to TV viewers.

She started her career as a comedian, appearing in sketch shows such as Smith & Jones, Six Pairs of Pants, and Fist of Fun – as well as I’m Alan Partridge.

But it was the female-led Smack the Pony which really catapulted her to fame in the UK. She appeared in the show between 1999 and 2017, which she also wrote alongside co-stars Fiona Allen, Sarah Alexander, and Doon Mackichan.

Since then, she’s probably most famous for playing Katie Nash in Rescue Me, Tash Vine in Jam & Jerusalem, Tilly in Miranda, and Elaine in Tourist Trap. More recently, Sally starred as Ingrid Hartswood in Austin.

Her famous film roles have included Shazza in all four Bridget Jones films, Tessa Jones in Love at First Sight, and Gina in How to Please a Woman.

BBC will release more cast details about The Hairdresser Mysteries in due course.

Read more: I’m baffled by the Coldwater critics who have called the series ‘dull’ – it’s brilliantly bonkers with a great twist!

Viewers can expect to see The Hairdresser Mysteries air on the BBC in 2026.