Latest news with #Janie
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Death Valley star on what's 'haunted her entire life' as health diagnosis help with new role
BBC Death Valley star on what's 'haunted her entire life' as health diagnosis help with new role Gwyneth Keyworth stars opposite Timothy Spall in BBC One's new drama, Death Valley, but the actress has opened up about her struggles with ADHD. Gwyneth Keyworth plays Janie, a Welsh detective with an obsession for old TV detective shows (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks ) Being neurodivergent can be challenging, as actress Gwyneth Keyworth recently confessed, her condition can sometimes be difficult to manage and even admitted "that has haunted me my entire life." Whilst in a BAFTA Cymru Q&A session for her new BBC comedy crime drama Death Valley, the actress told the audience how there are some parallels between her and her character Janie when it comes to neurodiversity. Gwyneth, who has been diagnosed with ADHD said that she had struggled growing up with the condition. Her new series, follows her character Janie Mallowan, a Welsh detective sergeant who teams up with her favourite actor John Chapel, played by Timothy Spall, to solve crimes around the Welsh Valleys. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Gwyneth told the audience that she worked with the writer to reflect her own neurodiversity in her character after saying that her ADHD "has haunted me my entire life." She said: "I'm diagnosed ADHD, and when I was in school in a certain system it was really hard, but in real life there's always some real pros to it. "So, it was really about letting that be part of Janie, because she doesn't work the way everyone else works, but the way she does work - works for her." Article continues below She also added that despite struggling herself with the condition: "I think that's the lovely thing about how Janie's been written, is it is not a hindrance." Content cannot be displayed without consent Recently she also confessed that she wouldn't be able to take on a career as a detective. She admitted: "I'm definitely not built for detective work. I have , I can't keep track of anything!" The actress added: "Janie and I are both scatty. I am always losing stuff, but Janie is more direct than I am and a lot more blunt. I like her commitment to being good at her job and how she won't let anyone get in the way of it." Despite being her first leading role, Gwyneth has previously starred in numerous large scale projects. This includes another BBC series set in Wales, Lost Boys & Fairies, where she played the character Becky. She has also starred in Game of Thrones, Netflix's Black Mirror, The Crown and also Misfits. She also spoke of working with Timothy Spall and said that her co-star looked out for her on set. Gwyneth said: "He is the best and not only is he an amazing actor, but he is also a really nice and kind person. Article continues below "I learnt so much from him especially on how to approach leading a series. We became really good friends, and I always knew he had my back, he would say: 'take a minute, we've got this.'" Death Valley will air on Sunday, May 25 at 8.15pm on BBC One, however the whole boxset will be launching on BBC iPlayer at the same time.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The BBC's Death Valley is lovely, funny and Welsh. What's not to love?
The BBC's Death Valley is lovely, funny and Welsh. What's not to love? Finally, proof that Wales can do more than boring crime dramas BBC's new comedy crime drama Death Valley stars Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks ) I'm Welsh, and I'll scream it from the rooftops. I'll take a Welsh flag on holiday and speak Welsh so people don't know what I'm saying. Essentially, what I'm saying is I'm a stereotype of a Welsh gal and I'm not afraid to admit it or laugh about it. So, when I saw Gwyneth Keyworth's character Janie in Death Valley, I was over the moon to see a strong female Welsh lead who was extremely relatable, and I'm not just talking about the fact we both clearly have ADHD and have an obsession with crime dramas. The programme airs tonight, on BBC One, however if you're like me and love a good binge watch then the whole boxset will be launching on BBC iPlayer at the same time. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . The series depicts a retired actor who used to be the star of a hit fictional TV detective show, John Chapel played by Timothy Spall, and a young detective, Janie Mallowan played by Gwyneth Keyworth, who become an unlikely crime-fighting duo in the Welsh Valleys. The comedy crime drama, challenges everything we think we know about the traditional grey and gloomy crime dramas that come out of Wales. It did something that some comedy series struggle with, which is be funny. There were several moments where I audibly cackled with laughter, which can be rare when watching TV. Most of the time though, these moments were Welsh stereotypes, which made me feel like I was in on some kind of inside joke. For example in the second episode they joke about the Welsh knowing everyone and that Janie probably went to school with someone, we later find out that they didn't go to school together, however they were cousins. Article continues below Janie's character in general is incredibly well written by Paul Doolan, and portrayed by Gwyneth. Her mannerisms and her ability to always say the wrong thing but mean well is endearing. When you think of Welsh leading ladies you automatically think of characters like Nessa from Gavin and Stacey, or maybe Stacey herself who is one of the worst characters ever written, don't get me started on that though. Janie, however is different to both of these characters and feels extremely relatable, whether that's her want to progress in her job or the way she always attempts to make light of situations with a joke. The way she fan girls over Timothy's character is even hilarious, and realistically how we would all feel if we met our favourite actor. In fact, the dynamic of the pair and how they bounce off of each other makes for a fascinating watch. They almost bring a combination of what feels like watching traditional and modern crime dramas work opposite each other, in a way the writer described it perfectly as a combination of Line of Duty and Poirot. Timothy Spall as John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan (Image: BBC ) Timothy described his character perfectly when he said, "a bearded recluse who has become a bit of a curmudgeon described by one of the locals as a 'grumpy old b**tard!" However, when he meets Janie, he lightens up and become more welcome to inviting people in. Timothy plays this character development extremely well, and again it is relatable as we all have a grumpy old man who needs to lighten up in our lives, I'm talking to you Dad. It's also great to see some iconic Welsh actors like Steffan Rhodri who plays the shockingly quite wholesome DCI Barry Clarke and Melanie Walters who plays Janie's mam Yvonne, but I'm also thrilled to see some new Welsh talent on our screens too. I can honestly say that this series is incredible, and despite having an instinct to try and predict what is going to happen, and sometimes I do, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The crime a week structure keeps things fresh, although the underlying character arcs for both individuals means you are wanting to know more. I already can't wait to watch the rest of the series, and I hope there will be many more series to follow. Death Valley airs tonight, May 25 at 8.15pm on BBC One and the whole boxset launches on BBC iPlayer at the same time. Article continues below
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Exploring Death Valley stars life from diagnosis to career highs and lows
Gwyneth Keyworth is set to have the nation in stitches in BBC's new comedy crime thriller, Death Valley. Gwyneth Keyworth is poised to tickle the nation's funny bone in the BBC's upcoming comedy crime thriller, Death Valley. The show charts the adventures of an oddball duo: a retired actor named John Chapel (played by Timothy Spall) and detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth). When asked about what sets Death Valley apart from other crime murder mysteries and what viewers can anticipate, the actress pinpointed the humour as the distinguishing factor. The Welsh actress remarked: "We all love solving crimes, guessing what is going to happen and piecing it all together. It's like playing a good game of Cluedo. But also, Death Valley is really funny, it has so much heart." She added: "You really see John and Janie's friendship evolve and see how it helps transform them. They are two lonely people who manage to find a friend. They are genuine with each other even if he does overstep the mark at times!" With the premiere of Death Valley just around the corner this weekend, we delve into the life of the actress. Health battle The 34-year-old has recently been candid about her neurodivergence and the challenges that sometimes accompany it, reports Surrey Live. Discussing her portrayal in the BBC series, Gwyneth admitted that she wouldn't be suited for her character's profession in real life. She confessed: "I'm definitely not built for detective work. I have , I can't keep track of anything!" Nonetheless, when reflecting on what she enjoys most about embodying Janie, she identified several traits they share. The actress remarked: "Janie and I are both scatty. I am always losing stuff, but Janie is more direct than I am and a lot more blunt. I like her commitment to being good at her job and how she won't let anyone get in the way of it." Career low With roles in notable television series such as Game of Thrones, Misfits and Black Mirror, Gwyneth boasts an impressive array of career highlights. Despite these achievements, she recalls a moment that she views as a 'low' point. Chatting with Essence about moments she'd prefer to leave behind, she admitted one particular low was: "Faceplanting on stage – bad." However, she reminisced about a career high point whilst shooting for Black Mirror. She shared: "I loved filming Black Mirror, I've always been a huge fan of the director, Tim Van Patten. He directed nearly all of my favourite episodes of The Sopranos, so working with him was incredible." Guilty Pleasure Gwyneth disclosed that there's one particular show that captivates her more than perhaps it should, a sentiment she describes as a guilty pleasure. In her conversation with Essence, Gwyneth admitted: "Getting far too involved in Love Island than is at all necessary or acceptable." An evident fan of Love Island, Gwyneth would no doubt be thrilled to learn that ITV is set to commemorate the reality show's decade-long run with a special anniversary episode. Scheduled to broadcast before the summer series, viewers will witness some of the most recognisable islanders reminisce about their villa experiences and the enduring impact on their lives.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC's new drama Death Valley features unexpected crime-solving twist with 'an edge'
Death Valley centres around an unlikely crime-solving duo in the Welsh countryside The BBC's upcoming murder mystery series, Death Valley, is set to debut tonight (Sunday, May 25). Penned by Paul Doolan, the six-part whodunnit revolves around quirky national treasure, John Chapel (Timothy Spall), a retired actor and star of the popular fictional TV detective show Caesar. When John's neighbour is shockingly murdered, he joins forces with charming detective sergeant, Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) to crack the case. This unlikely pair of crime solvers tackle gripping murders each week, against the backdrop of various picturesque Welsh locations. "When John and Janie are not arguing about a case, they're inevitably up in each other's personal business," the synopsis continues, reports Belfast Live. "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." The regular cast also features Steffan Rhodri as Janie's superior, DCI Barry Clarke, Melanie Walters as Yvonne, Janie's "no boundaries" mother, and Remy Beasley as Rhiannon, an old foe from Janie's past. Completing the line-up is Mike Bubbins as the overly friendly desk sergeant, Tony, and Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry, the "eager to please" junior police officer. Guest stars include Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Sian Gibson, Patricia Hodge, Jim Howick and Karl Johnson. At a recent press event for the series, executive producer Madeline Addy was enthusiastic about Paul Doolan's distinctive scripts. "[I got involved] quite early doors. My boss, Josh Cole, was a big champion of the project and sent it to me, and I read it and absolutely loved it," she said. "Paul is a very talented and very well respected comedy writer so it was really exciting to us that he wanted to create this really original comedy-drama with an edge to it. "The fact that it feels it's genre blending, a mixing pot of different genres. Paul's got this classic whodunnit with a twist to it, and there's high-stakes drama and along with that, it's like an inter-generational comedy as well. So, there's quite a lot going on." Madeline concluded: "I think it's wholly original." The producer went on to reveal that over 70 cast members appear across the six episodes. Timothy, the lead actor, shared insights into his journey taking on a more comedic role, along with the hurdles of portraying two conflicting characters – the actor and his most famous persona. "It's only hard because the expectation of making people laugh. Humour is a big taste thing, some people like certain aspects of it and some people don't," he said. "The challenge is to try and play a character, however eccentric or supposedly funny they are." Timothy added: "It's nice to be able to play with that, someone who is a detective, and mess around with certain aspects of actors' [personalities], themselves, their skills and their conceits and over inflated versions of themselves. "It was nice to be able to play a character who was somewhat heightened." Death Valley will premiere on BBC One and BB C One Wales at 8.15pm on Sunday, May 25
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local eighth grader graduates from Easterseals Learning Academy
GERMANTOWN HILLS, Ill. (WMBD) — One local eighth grader got a well-earned celebration on Thursday. Through Easterseals Learning Academy in Germantown Hills, Charlie Jane Vining, who goes by Janie, graduated from eighth grade, marking a significant milestone in her life. 'They have one, made her life easier,' said Joanna Vining, Janie's mom, talking about Easterseals. 'She is able to cope and hit milestones that we didn't ever think she would ever be able to.' Janie was diagnosed with high-sensory and non-verbal autism at the age of two. She's a creative girl who loves art, especially coloring. 'Her heart is coloring,' Joanna said. 'She loves to color, she loves makeup, and of course, she loves pink.' Because of Janie's love of the color pink, her whole graduation's theme from the punch to the cupcakes was all pink. Janie's brother Aiden said his sister is always upbeat and carrying a tune. He talked about his favorite thing about his sister. 'Singing in the house,' Aiden said, 'I love how she's always singing, smiling, playing her games, and she's always just there. It's awesome.' Niccole Maloney has been teaching Janie for close to five years now, and has seen her growth firsthand. 'When I first started with her, she would speak in a few words, and now she's speaking with complete sentences,' Maloney said. 'She is able to express her emotions and how she feels. We've just seen a huge growth in her communication.' With Janie's creativity, Maloney hopes she sticks with it. 'I think Janie's a fantastic artist, so I would love to see her just keep developing her art, keep developing her fashion,' she said. For everyone who has supported her this far, Janie had one message: 'I love you all.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
