BBC has unveiled a twist-filled new Welsh crime thriller that’s already getting attention from detective drama fans.

The upcoming six-part mystery is set in the coastal town of Tenby, where two unlikely detectives are forced to work together after a string of unsettling murders shakes the quiet community. As the case grows darker, buried secrets and long-standing tensions begin to rise to the surface.

The series also features a star from Shetland, adding even more excitement for fans of atmospheric British mysteries. With its haunting seaside setting, layered suspense, and unpredictable twists, the drama is already shaping up to be the next addictive binge-watch for crime thriller lovers.

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BBC’s ‘twisty’ 6-part Welsh crime drama with Shetland star sounds like the perfect binge

Old Town Murders follows a detective duo who are brought together unexpectedly to solve twisty murders in the Welsh town of Tenby

Calling all crime drama fans! The BBC has announced a “twisty” new Welsh detective drama is in the works, and it sounds like the perfect show to add to your watchlist if you love an unexpected duo solving mysteries.

Starring Mark Lewis Jones (Baby Reindeer, The Crown, Men Up) and Steffan Rhodri (Gavin & Stacey, Men Up), the six-parter follows two friends and detectives who find a new lease of life as they work to solve puzzling murders in the seaside town of Tenby in southwest Wales.

Woman standing on balcony © BBC/Left Bank Pictures/James Stack
Julie is set to play forensic biologist Pamela Thomas

Created by Matthew Barry (Men Up, The Guest) and produced by Quay Street Productions (Fool Me Once, After the Flood), the cast also features a stack of impressive British acting talent, including Shetland star Julie Graham and The Guest actress Catherine Ayers.

Fans of cosy crime shows like Midsomer Murders, Grantchester and Under Salt Marsh should definitely tune into Old Town Murders. Not only does it feature a promising crime-solving duo in Mark and Steffan, but it’s also set to showcase some stunning Welsh locations across Tenby, Cardiff and the South Wales coastline. Intrigued? Keep reading for more information about Old Town Murders…

What is Old Town Murders about?

A must-watch for cosy crime fans, the “charming” series follows two detectives who are brought together by unforeseen circumstances.

The synopsis reads: “When DI Glyn Walsh returns unexpectedly early from bereavement leave, he and DS Sion Dearden work together to solve the perplexing murder of an esteemed University Professor. The case takes the pair on a complex investigation into the underbelly of the local University to track down the killer.

Steffan Rhodri and Mark Lewis Jones at the readthrough for Old Town Murders© BBC
Steffan Rhodri and Mark Lewis Jones at the readthrough for Old Town Murders

“Once the killer is found, there is no time to rest, as the pair are called to more murder mysteries across the area.

“From the poisoning of a local Head Teacher who inexplicably drowns whilst wild swimming, to a mystifying case of mistaken identity during a triathlon, the pair must navigate working and living under the same roof while solving a slew of baffling murder cases.

“Set against the stunning backdrop of modern-day Tenby, West Wales, Old Town Murders explores finding meaning, purpose and hope later in life through friendship and solving crime.”

Who stars in Old Town Murders?

Mark Lewis Jones (Baby Reindeer, The Crown) and Steffan Rhodri (Steeltown Murders, Men Up) lead the cast as DI Glyn Walsh and DS Sion Dearden.

MARK LEWIS JONES as Caleb Williams in Out There© ITV
Mark Lewis Jones (pictured in Out There) will play DI Glyn Walsh

They’re joined by Bethan Mary-James (The Guest, Death Valley) as DC Remy Jones, Catherine Ayers (The Guest, Missing You) as Chief Superintendent Melanie Morris, Julie Graham (This City is Ours, Time) as forensic biologist Pamela Thomas and James Bamford (The Red King, Masters of the Air) as DC Neil Miller.

What have the creatives said?

Speaking about the new show, Welsh-born writer and executive producer Matthew Barry said: “Old Town Murders is more than a crime drama; at its heart, it’s about friendship, reinvention and the courage to begin again later in life.

“After working together on Men Up, I wrote this series for Mark and Steffan, and I can’t wait for them, alongside the rest of our incredible cast, to bring these characters to life.”

Steffan Rodri as Colin in Men Up© BBC
Steffan Rodri (pictured in Men Up) will play DS Sion Dearden in the new series

Meanwhile, Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, added: “Old Town Murders is where picture-perfect Wales meets murder mystery in a thrilling, twisty tale.

“The incredibly talented Matt Barry and the brilliant team at Quay Street have a track record of delivering standout drama time and time again, and we’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with them on what’s set to be another showstopper series.”