A DARK NEW BRITISH CRIME THRILLER IS ALREADY TURNING HEADS 🔎

The BBC has revealed a twisty new six-part Welsh crime drama set in the coastal town of Tenby, where a string of mysterious murders begins to shake an otherwise quiet community.

As two very different detectives are forced to work together, the investigation starts uncovering buried secrets and long-hidden tensions that threaten to unravel the entire town. The series also features a familiar face from Shetland, adding even more buzz among fans of British detective dramas.

With its atmospheric setting and unpredictable mystery, the show is already shaping up to be the next addictive binge for crime fans.

Watch below 👇👇👇

BBC’s ‘twisty’ new Welsh crime thriller featuring a Shetland star is already turning heads — and it sounds like the next addictive binge for crime drama fans.

Crime drama enthusiasts may have a fresh obsession on the horizon. The BBC has commissioned Old Town Murders, a dark yet witty six-part Welsh detective series that promises plenty of twists, buried secrets, and an unlikely investigative partnership set against the stunning coastal backdrop of Tenby.

The story follows two seasoned detectives — old friends and former partners — who are unexpectedly thrown back together at a low point in their lives. As a series of perplexing murders rocks the quiet, picturesque seaside town, the duo must navigate personal hardships while uncovering long-hidden tensions and dark undercurrents beneath Tenby’s charming surface. What begins as a fresh start soon becomes a complex web of mystery, humor, and emotional depth.

The upcoming drama also features Julie Graham (known for her role in the beloved Scottish crime series Shetland), adding extra excitement for fans of gripping British procedurals. With its atmospheric coastal setting, sharp writing, and grounded character-driven storytelling, Old Town Murders is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone who loves twisty, atmospheric crime stories with heart.

Meet the Unlikely Detective Duo

Leading the cast are two acclaimed Welsh actors: Mark Lewis Jones (Baby Reindeer, The Crown, Men Up) as DI Glyn Walsh and Steffan Rhodri (Gavin & Stacey, Steeltown Murders, Men Up) as DS Sion Dearden.

These longtime friends and colleagues should arguably be winding down their careers, but personal setbacks — including grief and life changes — give them a new lease on purpose. Forced to team up again, they tackle baffling murders in the idyllic town of Tenby while confronting their own demons and rediscovering meaning later in life. The series blends clever humor with genuine emotion, making the partnership feel authentic and compelling rather than just another mismatched buddy-cop formula.

walesonline.co.uk

nation.cymru

Steffan Rhodri brings his signature warmth and dry wit (famously seen as Dave Coaches in Gavin & Stacey), while Mark Lewis Jones delivers the intensity and gravitas that have made him a standout in everything from gritty dramas to high-profile international productions.

Joining them is Julie Graham as forensic biologist Pamela Thomas, whose expertise will prove crucial to the investigations. Additional cast members include Bethan Mary-James as DC Remy Jones, Catherine Ayers as Chief Superintendent Melanie Morris, and James Bamford as DC Neil Miller. The ensemble promises strong supporting turns that add layers to the central mystery.

dailymail.co.uk

Gavin and Stacey star Steffan Rhodri looks worlds away from his character Dave Coaches after appearing on the hit BBC series 13 years ago | Daily Mail Online

Tenby: The Perfect Atmospheric Backdrop

Set in the real-life coastal gem of Tenby in southwest Wales (Pembrokeshire), the series makes full use of the town’s colorful harbor, historic streets, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Tenby’s postcard-perfect scenery provides a striking contrast to the dark crimes unfolding — a classic “murder in paradise” setup that heightens the tension.

Filming is already underway in Tenby, Cardiff, and along the South Wales coastline, bringing authentic Welsh locations and stories to the screen as part of the BBC’s commitment to increased representation from the devolved nations.

theweek.com

journee-mondiale.com

walesonline.co.uk

welsh-cottages.co.uk

What Makes It Stand Out

Created, written, and executive produced by Matthew Barry (Men Up, The Guest), Old Town Murders is produced by Quay Street Productions. The BBC describes it as a “witty, twisty” and “charming” crime series brimming with humor while remaining grounded in character. It explores themes of reinvention, friendship, grief, and finding hope and purpose in later life — all wrapped around perplexing murder cases that keep viewers guessing.

Unlike purely bleak Nordic noirs, this one mixes darkness with levity and heart, making the detectives’ personal journeys as engaging as the central mysteries. Early buzz calls it a potential “showstopper” that could appeal to fans of Shetland, Vera, Death in Paradise, or The Bay.

Release Outlook

Production began recently, with the six 60-minute episodes expected to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027. While an exact premiere date hasn’t been confirmed, the BBC’s push for authentic Welsh storytelling suggests it will be a highlight of the schedule.

If you’re craving a fresh British crime drama with stunning scenery, sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and plenty of twists, Old Town Murders is already generating serious anticipation. The unlikely duo of Walsh and Dearden, backed by a strong Welsh ensemble and that Shetland connection, could be the next coastal mystery to keep you glued to the screen.

Keep an eye on BBC announcements — once this one lands, it’s likely to become your new binge obsession. Tenby may look peaceful, but beneath the surface, secrets run deep.