Latest news with #GwynethKeyworth
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC's new crime drama breaks record despite viewers 'switching off'
Death Valley - which stars Gwyneth Keyworth and Timothy Spall - launched on BBC One over the weekend with the first of six episodes of the new comedy-drama series The BBC has announced the viewing figures for its new comedy-drama Death Valley following the launch of the show on the weekend. It comes following a mixed reaction from some viewers over the recently-aired first episode. The six-part series set in Wales follows detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (played by Gwyneth Keyworth) and retired actor John Chapel (Timothy Spall), who team up to solve crimes. The show is written and created by Paul Doolan, whose previous work includes the Sky One sitcom Trollied. Death Valley - which has drawn comparisons Ludwig and Death in Paradise - launched just days ago, with its first episode having aired on BBC One on Sunday night. It's set to continue on the channel this weekend, though all six episodes are already available through BBC iPlayer. It has now been announced by the BBC that Death Valley's launch - which aired from 8.15pm to 9pm - drew an audience of 2.9 million on BBC One, with it achieving the largest Overnights audience for a new BBC Scripted Comedy title in five years. It adds that it outperformed Ludwig's premiere in September last year, which attracted 2.8 million viewers. The show - which includes Gavin and Stacey stars Steffan Rhodri and Melanie Walters among its cast - centres on the "unlikely crime-solving partnership" between retired actor John, who played a fictional detective, and police officer Janie. It's teased in a synopsis: "They'd make the perfect crime-fighting duo - if only they could get along!" There was a mixed reaction on X to the first episode, despite the news this week that the debut was a ratings success. Some people even shared that they were turning Death Valley off just minutes into the premiere. One person wrote: "5 mins & switching off - this is AWEFUL soooooo baaad." Another said: "Had to turn over." Someone else commented: "I only lasted 10 mins." Others similarly weren't impressed by the new TV show. Someone said: "Ten minutes unintelligible thanks." Another viewer wrote: "Just sat and watched the biggest heap of s***e ever and it's called #DeathValley that's 45 minutes of life I ain't getting back." And sharing their thoughts, one person wrote recently: "Shame #DeathValley had good potential. But it's so cringeworthy. Can't believe it was considered good Sunday night viewing. Can't wait for #Ludwig series 2!!!" Not everyone was unimpressed though. A number of viewers have shared that like Death Valley so far. One fan said: "I really enjoyed that. Hilarious! Policing at its finest! #DeathValley. Well done all involved!:) I howled all the way through!" Another said on the platform: "Not everyone's cup of tea but I loved #DeathValley. Quirky but most enjoyable, acting was superb by both lead actors. Full marks to all involved in this series - looking forward to more. Well done #BBC." A third wrote: "#DeathValley is absolutely excellent. Getting the blend of comedy & drama right is very difficult - but the team have done it here. It can build a following. The brilliant Brokenwood Mysteries from NZ is now in its 11th season. #DeathValley can follow a similar trajectory." Sharing their thoughts in a post recently, another viewer said: "#deathvalley really enjoying the show. Easy going murder mystery. Think Death in Paradise but in Llandeilo. Nice to hear genuine Welsh accents on TV. Tidy." Death Valley continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday night from 8.15pm. All episodes are available on the streaming platform now.
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC fans urge people to watch crime series 'that's like Gavin and Stacey'
If you were imagining a good comparison for a new murder mystery show, Gavin and Stacey is probably one of the last ones you would reach for, alongside the likes of Teletubbies or Antiques Roadshow. But the new BBC cosy crime drama Death Valley takes the hard-nosed crimes of a Midsomer Murders and mixes them with a comedic sensibility of shows like the hit sitcom. The new six-parter – which is already all on iPlayer for a Bank Holiday binge – follows Timothy Spall as John Chapel, a retired TV actor who made a career as a brainbox Hercule Poirot-type solving mysteries. DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) is a mega fan of Chapel and desperate to get some convictions under her belt to climb the corporate ladder, so she enlists him to help crack the weekly mysteries. This is where the Gavin and Stacey comparison starts to make more sense, because her idle boss is played by Steffan Rhodri (Dave Coaches). He doesn't do much to intervene because his only aim is to keep policing paperwork to a bare minimum. Death Valley is an adequate name for where the show is set in the Vale of Glamorgan in Wales, because the crime-crackers are never short of a new case. The oddball duo get to work by first investigating the death of a wealthy property developer Carwyn Rees, who Chapel deduces was in fact murdered. When asked how he would describe the show, Timothy Spall labelled it 'intriguing, engaging, amusing,' then added: 'I hope! It's now over to the audience to decide!' He said in an interview with Beyond The Joke: 'Paul Doolan has written excellent scripts! He's a fantastic comedy writer but also a big fan of crime dramas. 'With Death Valley, you have three aspects – the whodunnit, characters who are both real and funny plus a dramatic, emotionally grounded quality.' It's clearly a good comfort watch, because many BBC viewers have already taken to X (formerly Twitter) to rally fellow TV fans to give Death Valley a go. @Poshaudrey wrote: 'I loved it!! Very funny!! Very Gavin and Stacey in style and humour. Don't pan it. Give it a chance.' @VikPercival echoed: 'Totally binged Death Valley what a lovely, fun and joyous British drama. Timothy Spall & Gwyneth Keyworth are funny and beautiful together. 'I blinking enjoyed it,' wrote @SUtayl. 'Not because it's filmed in Wales but it's what I call light entertainment. Breath of fresh air.' More Trending @GinaLouLoves chimed in, writing: 'A nice light hearted detective series! Definitely want to visit Wales again soon after watching this!' However, not everyone could get on board with the show's blend of the lighthearted with the more serious themes. @Clive_laddie wrote: 'How on earth did this drama get commissioned by the BBC? Making fun of suicide and murder, in a fake Welsh setting, is nothing but a recipe for disaster. And this series is a total disaster.' 'Aw… the failure of Death Valley is overdoing the comedy so it's just a cartoon caricature,' added @KateLeeComms. 'Timothy Spall is excellent with what he has to work with. Not in the league of Ludwig.' View More » Death Valley is available to stream on iPlayer and continues on BBC One on Sunday at 8:15pm. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Psychological thriller labelled a 'masterpiece' coming to BBC iPlayer MORE: BBC quietly adds Australian drama that left fans 'crying their eyes out' MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2025
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC viewers ‘switch off new crime drama after five minutes' - complaining ‘this is absolute rubbish' and slamming ‘screaming, unintelligible' actors
BBC viewers switched off the broadcaster's new crime drama 'after five minutes' and complained 'this is absolute rubbish'. The new show, titled Death Valley, premiered on Sunday (May 25) evening and saw DS Janine Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) join up with TV detective John Chapel (Timothy Spall), who proves he's good at solving real life cases. Filmed in Wales, the instalment followed the unlikely pair as they end up investigating a murder together. Death Valley also stars Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry, as well as Steffan Rhodri as DCI Clarke, amongst others. The six-part series is set to air on BBC One every Sunday from 8.15pm to 9pm. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The new show, titled Death Valley, premiered on Sunday (May 25) evening and saw DS Janine Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth), right join up with TV detective John Chapel (Timothy Spall, left) who proves he's good at solving real life cases However, some viewers of the first episode were not impressed and took to social media to share their thoughts on the new drama. One posted on X: '#deathvalley #BBC is so dreadful on every level. The woman detective is beyond irritating and embarrassing.' 'The problems with comedy police programs like this is how they suddenly come up with such a long winded explanation of the murder without actually showing us during the program how they would come to it. #deathvalley,' another penned. Someone else commented: 'Oh that was terrible #DeathValley.' While one viewer said: 'Well that was pretty cringe. Almost gave up after the first five minutes. Timothy Spall was good. The detective was terrible. Bad script. 'Is it meant to be slapstick? Don't know if it will improve as it settles in but not a great start. #DeathValley.' According to the Express, another penned: 'Five mins & switching off - this is AWFUL. So bad.' One watcher added: 'Ten minutes screaming unintelligible actors ...no thanks #deathvalley.' However, some viewers of the first episode were not impressed and took to social media to share their thoughts on the new drama, while others praised it The Guardian rated Death Valley four out of five stars, but not everyone agreed with the review and someone posted: 'Just what I thought! It's too silly. The Guardian says 'people who love Ludwig will love Death Valley'. NO!! I LOVE Ludwig - this is absolute rubbish!' However, some were quickly fans of the show and one penned: 'Totally binged #deathvalley what a lovely, fun and joyus British drama. #TimothySpall & #gwynethKeyworth are funny and beautiful together.' Another added: 'Finally a return to Sunday night family viewing…we loved #deathvalley.' Death Valley airs on Sundays at 8.15pm on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
BBC One's new comedy Death Valley gets a hammering on X
It was widely anticipated and looked forward to but the new BBC One Wales Sunday night drama Death Valley has had an absolute pummelling on social media platform X. Viewers berated it as "amateur" and "badly scripted" and "terminally dreadful". Some people wondered how "absolute tosh" like this got a primetime slot. Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth star in the brand new comedy crime drama about a retired actor and a "disarming young detective" fighting crime in the Welsh valleys. In its blurb the BBC said they'd make the perfect crime-fighting duo - if only they could get along. Viewers were left unimpressed and didn't seem to think the pair were perfect for anything. After tonight's first episode some branded the drama "rubbish" and "dreadful" and "absolute tripe" - and those were the kinder people. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter. Tom Watson writing as @Watson950 said:"If you think #MidsomerMurders is awful, the @BBC 's new #DeathValley is terminally dreadful. Ham acting, implausible script and a waste of Timothy Spall's talent." @JoyClifty1 had this to say about the acting: "Oh dear this was horrendous- the woman playing a policewoman is dreadful!!". Some others were more complimentary. Sharon Pritchard posted on X "We were chuckling away. On to the next episode on BBC IPlayer. Cracking Sunday night viewing! @gordonbennet230 wrote: "Really enjoying Death Valley on BBC 1 #DeathValley". The six parter series also features Welsh actors Steffan Rhodri as wholesome DCI Barry Clarke and Melanie Walters who plays Janie's mum Yvonne. Sian Gibson from Peter Kay's Car Share, Alexandria Riley of Silo and The Pembrokeshire Murders also appear as does English actress Patricia Hodge who appears as Helena. The whole series was shot in Wales with Spall portraying John Chapel, the favourite TV character of Det Sgt Janie Mallowen who idolises him since his TV show Caesar helped her through dark times. Writer, Paul Doolan was reported as saying he liked the idea of a TV actor who played a detective, and a fan of them, and the awkward relationship between them. One of the tensions is he's English, she's Welsh too. The series was shot in locations including Insole Court in Cardiff, Penarth and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. lovely, funny and Welsh. What's not to love?" You can read her review here. Death Valley airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sundays at 20:15 and the entire boxset is on iplayer.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Death Valley, review: Timothy Spall's witty sleuth proves a rival for Ludwig
The warning signs are all there – jaunty pizzicato strings, delightful rural setting, a quirky, cranky detective paired off with a chalk-and-cheese youthful sidekick. There is even a Death in the title, suggesting that Death Valley (BBC One) not only looks a bit like all the other cheerful come-for-the-location, stay-for-the-murders crime dramas on TV (ie. Death in Paradise, Midsomer Murders) but that it is merely the same formula set in Wales. Many great actors play TV detectives in their later years for a phone-it-in gig and a pension. Surely this is Timothy Spall doing the same? Well sort of, but also not at all. Death Valley is undoubtedly another cosy sleuther, one cut from familiar cloth, but it is at least a very good one. Spall plays John Chapel, a retired actor who used to star as a Poirot-style mind-machine on a TV crime drama. When a much-loathed local real estate tycoon is found dead at his desk, the local police, in the form of DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth), interview the neighbours. There Mallowan chances upon a gone-to-seed Chapel and lo and behold, an unlikely (but in TV land, completely inevitable) crime-solving duo is born. Rather than pretend that any of this is new, Death Valley is sensible enough to acknowledge all of the clichés and work with them. Paul Doolan's (Mammoth, Trollied) script is pin-sharp throughout, poking fun at the genre by using extracts from Caesar, the series in which Chapel starred in his heyday. These shows, as one of the cops on Death Valley even says at one point, are all the same, but there's a reason for that. As the BBC's recent success with Ludwig illustrates, people love a puzzle. So the six episodes of Death Valley stick to a case-of-the-week format, with John and Janie getting better and better at solving them as their relationship evolves. Doolan's script, which is very funny throughout, is the cherry on the icing on the cake (and he seems to love an over-extended metaphor, of which I approve). Youth and age and amateurs and pros and good cops and bad cops – everything has been done (to death) in crime drama. It's unlikely that anyone tuning in to Death Valley will be expecting, or wanting, the wheel to be reinvented. But while it never attempts to tear up the rulebook it still finds space between the lines. The show within a show, Caesar (which also stars the matchless Jim Howick) is funny and judiciously employed. The knowing gags about Netflix true-crime documentaries and how Chapel got down to the last two for Ned Stark in Game of Thrones are much funnier because they're sporadic. Spall can be an acquired taste, but here his moments of peak Spalliness are offset by the casting of Keyworth, who has his measure in every scene. Their two-handers are all beautifully judged and Keyworth is superb throughout (in what deserves to be a breakout role.) Throw in a clever twist at the end and series two is set up nicely. This cosy crime drama could run and run – and for once, that's not a threat.
