Timothy Spall is set to lead the new BBC comedy-drama, 'Death Valley'.
Timothy Spall has landed his latest role at the BBC
Following the 67-year-old screen legend’s Best Actor in a Leading Role BAFTA win, for his acclaimed performance as Peter Farquhar in BBC One’s 'The Sixth Commandment', Spall has been cast as the "eccentric national treasure John Chapel", a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective TV show Caesar.
Along with Gwyneth Keyworth’s detective sergeant Janie Mallowan, the duo will solve a case per week.
The synopsis read: "Thrown together by the murder of John’s neighbour, 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.
"When John and Janie are not arguing about a case, they’re inevitably up in each other’s personal business. 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."
Spall commented: "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.
"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."
Jon Petrie, director of comedy at the BBC, added: "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."
Filming is due to kick-off next month in Wales, and the show, which doesn't have a release date at this time, is heading to BBC Two and iPlayer.
Tagged in Timothy Spall