New BBC comedy drama Death Valley to feature award-winning actor

The BBC has revealed that actors Steffan Rhodri, Alexandria Riley and Melanie Walters will be joining the cast of their forthcoming comedy, Death Valley.

The six-part series, set in Wales, will see viewers embroiled in a murder mystery as two unlikely individuals team up to form an unusual crime-solving duo.

Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth are set to lead the cast as John Chapel and Detective Sergeant Janie Mallowan respectively.

John, a retired actor, is portrayed as an eccentric national treasure who is the star of the fictional detective TV show Caesar.

The show's synopsis states: "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."

Other new additions to the cast include House of the Dragon actor Steffan Rhodri as DCI Clarke, Janie's boss and mentor, and Baby Reindeer star Alexandria Riley as Baxter, a straight-talking pathologist and friend of Janie.

Gavin and Stacey's Melanie Walters will portray Yvonne, Janie's 'no boundaries' mother, while Remy Beasley stars as Rhiannon, a picture-perfect character from Janie's past, reports the Mirror.

Speaking about the upcoming comedy, Gwyneth Keyworth 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."

Joining the lineup is Mike Bubbins, taking on the role of the clueless yet affable Desk Sergeant Tony, while Rithvik Andugula steps in as DC Evan Chaudhry, an officer