Timothy Spall to star in ‘unique’ BBC comedy-drama Death Valley
Actor Timothy Spall is to star in a new comedy-drama series called the BBC has announced.
It comes after the British star won the leading actor gong at the annual BAFTA TV Awards on Sunday night for his role in BBC series
playing the teacher who was murdered by his former pupil and lodger Ben Field.
Spall, who is known for playing Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter film series and starring in 2014 film described the forthcoming drama as “unique”.
Set in Wales, will follow the unlikely crime-solving partnership between John Chapel, played by Spall, 67, and
Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan, played by
star Gwyneth Keyworth.
John, a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective TV show is united with Janie through the murder of his neighbour.
In each of the six 45-minute episodes, the Welsh landscape will provide a backdrop to the duo’s murder investigations.
Spall, who has been ever-present on our big and small screens, 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.”
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.”
The series has been commissioned by BBC Comedy and BBC Wales, and it will air on BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer.