Latest news with #TimothySpall
Powys County Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Timothy Spall BBC drama Death Valley filmed in Brecon Beacons
Timothy Spall's new hit BBC murder mystery returns for its second episode on Sunday which was filmed in the Brecon Beacons. The detective drama with a comic twist, which was filmed entirely in Wales, tries to get to the bottom of gripping murders with various stunning locations providing backdrops to the investigations. In this Sunday's case at 8.15pm on BBC One, there is a murder within a walking group which was filmed in the south Powys national park. Eccentric retired actor John Chapel (Timothy Spall) joins forces with disarming Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowen (Gwyneth Keyworth) to crack the case after an unidentified woman is found dead near the Blaen y Glyn waterfall within Talybont Forest, near Brecon. Eagle-eyed viewers may also recognise The Old Ford Inn in Llanhamlach, near Brecon which provided the external shot of a pub in the same episode. Aberystwyth -raised Keyworth said the Brecon Beacons was a "great episode to film" while Spall described Wales as "extremely beautiful". In the episode, Janie hopes that John can help her identify a woman found dead on a local mountain trail. To do so, he must first join her mother's walking group, something he may find distasteful. RECOMMENDED READING 'John played the title role of 'Caesar' in a hugely successful TV detective series; a period piece, made in the early 2000s and set in the 1950's,' Spall explained. 'At the height of his fame, he disappeared off the face of the earth and he now lives in rural Wales, a bearded recluse who has become a bit of a curmudgeon. ''Caesar' is Janie's favourite TV detective. She became very fond of the show during a period of grief when she was younger, watching 'Caesar' on a loop to find solace. Consequently, it means a lot to her.' Other locations filmed for the series include in and around Cardiff, Penarth, Mountain Ash and Cowbridge.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
New BBC drama smashes records despite viewers ‘switching off' after 5 minutesNew
BBC's new cosy crime drama Death Valley has smashed an impressive record already despite some less-than-enthusiastic reviews of the show. The six-episode Timothy Spall comedy-drama secured a whopping 2.9million viewers in its overnight ratings for the first episode. This not only made it the biggest audience for a new BBC Scripted Comedy title in five years but it even beat David Mitchell's fellow crime-solving sitcom Ludwig which landed 2.8million viewers for its premiere in September. The unexpected frontrunner, which came out last week, follows retired TV actor John Chapel (Spall) who has made a name for himself as a crime-solving sleuth the likes of Poirot and Sherlock. When one of his groupies DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) tracks him down she hopes he can help her crack some mysteries and climb the career ladder in one fell swoop. It's already been compared to everything from Gavin and Stacey (which has broken its own record or two) to Midsomer Murders as we witness the hijinks of this chaotic duo. But not everyone has had glowing thoughts about the show. 'Five mins & switching off – this is AWFUL soooooo baaad,' X user Philgals Swigott wrote. 'I really wanted to like Death Valley on BBC1, but it's beyond terrible,' SonnerSounds added. 'Sorry, but I could only watch a quarter of an hour of this before turning off and cancelling all future recordings,' CaroleBlain shared. Anne Sharman called it 'so dreadful on every level' and Robert Halpert said it was '45 minutes of life' they aren't getting back.# Of course, it has also managed to win over some viewers. 'I will watch Timothy Spall in anything, and Death Valley seems pretty good so far,' Roz Laws shared. 'Contrary to those who hate it I'm loving Death Valley so far,' Signoramac declared. 'Only ten minutes in but Death Valley is a breath of fresh air,' Danny Denay echoed. And if it's following the footsteps of Ludwig (also starring Anna Maxwell Martin), we can expect a season two renewal sooner rather than later. So there's likely more to come for this plucky young detective and our reclusive actor. Speaking about their dynamic to Radio Times, the Bafta-winning Harry Potter star said: 'They recognise each other instantly in their souls. They cut straight through any generational difference, any bizarre sexual difference or anything like that.' He described it more akin to an 'uncle and niece' aesthetic. More Trending It's been a standout run for BBC comedies over the past year. In December, the epic Gavin and Stacey finale drew in 19.3million viewersmaking it the 'most-watched scripted show across all broadcasters and streamers since current records began in 2002'. Not an easy feat. View More » All episodes of Death Valley are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now. 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: Harry Potter fans say new Hermione is 'perfect casting' after unearthed clip MORE: Doctor Who boss promises finale will address 'controversial' Time Lord change MORE: Yet another celebrity discovers they're related to a king 9 years after Danny Dyer
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 Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC viewers left with same complaint after switching off new crime drama just minutes in
The BBC aired its "fun new crime spoof" series, starring Timothy Spall, for the first time on Sunday evening, but viewers were left unimpressed just minutes into the new show. BBC viewers were left disappointed after settling down to watch a brand new comedy show only to switch it off just moments later with many vocalising the same complaint. Death Valley kicked off on Sunday evening on May 25, starring Timothy Spall as reclusive actor John Chapel famed for his role as a TV detective. However, it transpires that he also has a talent for solving crimes in real life too. Despite his best efforts to live a peaceful and quiet life, he crosses paths with detective Janie Mallowan, played by Gwyneth Keyworth, who is investigating a mysterious death nearby. It turns out she's actually the actor's biggest fan and the pair find themselves becoming an unlikely duo as they pair up to solve crimes. The BBC programme, which was filmed entirely in Wales, features a glittering cast alongside Spall and Keyworth. It includes Gavin and Stacey star Steffan Rhodri, Alexandria Riley of Silo and The Pembrokeshire Murders fame, Sian Gibson known for her work on Peter Kay's Car Share plus additional writing from comedian and actor Sian Harries, the Express reports. However, despite the fun premise and the show's promising reviews, some viewers were left unimpressed and flocked to social media to share their initial thoughts. Despite The Guardian pitching the show as a "a fun new crime spoof for Ludwig fans," not everybody agreed. One viewer remarked: "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!" Another chimed in: "Five mins & switching off - this is AWFUL. So bad." A third viewer described the show as having "BBC1 weekday afternoon vibes to it." Another person who tuned in wrote: "Hmm ... Not hitting the spot yet" while a fifth complained: "Ten minutes unintelligible thanks." However, others had good things to say about the new programme with many hailing Timothy Spall's standout performance as the reclusive TV star, and others comparing it to other shows they had seen. One viewer gushed: "Love Timothy Spall". Another compared it to ITV drama, Professor T starring Ben Miller, as they remarked: "#DeathValley this is very much like #ProfessorT". Ahead of the show's debut on Sunday evening, creator Paul Doolan described where the inspiration for the show came from. He told the BBC: "I liked the idea of a TV actor who played a detective, and a fan of them, and the awkward relationship, but I couldn't really get beyond what else was funny about that. "Then I thought 'what if they solve murders?', which is all really meta, and then started plotting it based around that." Death Valley airs Sundays at 8.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
