Charming Australian drama Darby and Joan season 2 is getting a fresh lease of life as it lands on U&Drama this Summer.

In the first series, retired British nurse Joan Kirkhope (Greta Scacchi) arrived in Australia looking for answers about her husband Ian’s mysterious death and teamed up with gruff ex-detective Jack Darby (Bryan Brown).

Now the second series, which originally streamed on Acorn TV last year, picks up a year after Darby and Joan season 1, with the mismatched pair on a quest to clear Jack’s name while solving episodic wrongdoings that wander across their path.

Here, Greta joins What to Watch for an exclusive chat to tell us more…

Darby and Joan season 2 release date

Darby and Joan season 2 will air weekly on U&Drama from Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 8 pm. All six episodes will be available as a box set on the channel’s streaming service U.co.uk

Darby and Joan seasons 1 and 2 are also available to stream on Acorn TV.

Darby and Joan season 2 — what’s new

When series two gets underway with six new episodes, Jack and Joan are wending their way through Queensland on the hunt for the one person they believe can reveal the truth regarding an unexplained cloud hanging over Jack’s career and reputation. But soon they realise they aren’t alone on this journey and their quest becomes a dangerous race against time to uncover the truth after all these years. Will their search for answers unearth more questions than it answers?

“While the first series took place in the wake of Joan’s crisis and grief of losing her husband [Ian, played by John Waters in flashbacks] suddenly and the mystery surrounding him, this series explores Jack’s trauma, what he’s been through, and what is still unresolved. It’s a lot to do with Joan getting him to open up and also her starting to understand him. In each episode, there’s always a new theme, a new location and a new slice of life,” explains Greta.

“Both Joan and Jack have curiosity and a drive for justice, so they can’t let something go. I sometimes think that Joan is a busybody, but she’s also bright and gets to the bottom of things. I love her get-up-and-go and I relate to it because that's the surprising thing about ageing - you don’t see yourself as old. Joan and Jack are just 20-year-olds who look a bit crudier!”

Darby and Joan season 2 cast

Also reprising their roles alongside Greta Scacchi (Presumed Innocent, Brideshead Revisited, Versailles) and Byran Brown (Cocktail, A Town Like Alice, Gorillas in the Mist) in this second series are:

Anna McGahan as Joan and Ian’s daughter Rebecca, who lives in the UK. Anna has starred in Spirited, Anzac Girls, The Doctor Blake Mysteries and Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Jolene Anderson in her role as Jack’s daughter Detective Inspector Liz Darby. Jolene’s credits include Harrow, Home and Away, Rush and All Saints.

John Jarratt (Faraway Downs, Wolf Creek, A Country Practice) as menacing Detective Senior Sergeant Bill Carlton. His credits include.

Sigrid Thornton (Sechange, Wentworth Prison, Prisoner: Cell Block H) joins the cast as Jack’s ex wife and Liz’s mum, Miranda McNeil, an internal affairs detective.

Also joining in semi-regular roles are Debra Lawrance (Home and Away) as Anna, who believes Jack killed her son and Lisa Hensley (Brides of Christ), as plays Joan’s spirited sister Maxine.

Other guest stars to keep an eye out for include, Doris Younane (Apple Cider Vinegar, Heartbreak High) and Natalie Bassingthwaighte (AKA Izzy Hoyland from Neighbours).

Watch the Darby and Joan season 2 trailer

Darby and Joan season 2 — filming

Speaking about returning to Australia to film the second series, Greta reveals why the country holds a special place for her: “I’m actually an Australian citizen. I was born in Italy, moved to England when I was five and then, at 15, moved to Australia. I always felt a little bit foreign, but when I arrived in Perth and started school there, I felt I belonged for the first time. I love making this show and was thrilled and enthusiastic to film the second series.”

On why UK viewers love Australian drama, she says: “The British are culturally very close to Australians, there is a familiarity while being unfamiliar, and, of course, the locations are spectacular. As well as the sunshine and scenery, there’s a frankness in the Australian manner that makes for an easy connection with characters. Their self-irony helps a lot!”

Greta also revealed that there are some fun surfing scenes in season 2 for viewers to look forward to: “[Laughing] I wouldn’t call it surfing, and neither will you when you see it! Bryan, however, surfs like a dream. He was chuffed because he's a surfer from way back and the day we filmed these scenes, he caught a wave beautifully and looked fantastic. When I got into the water, I just looked like a hippopotamus. I was mostly giggling, swallowing water and rolling about, so I didn’t have to do much acting!”

Darby and Joan season 2 episode guide

Episode 1

The search for answers about Jack’s past leads him and Joan into the path of two warring brothers whose fight over the family farm escalates when one of the brothers is injured in a suspicious fall.

Episode 2

In a surfing town, Jack and Joan help Gillian, a nurse accused of hospital deaths, after she's a hit-and-run victim. They uncover potential motives to kill her as suspicions about the deaths linger.

Episode 3 - coming soon

Will there be a Darby and Joan season 3?

The short answer is: Yes!

During our interview Greta revealed, “I know that the writers are scribbling away on the third series and I can't wait to find out more about Joan and Jack.

“The cast and crew became very bonded after filming series one, and for the second series it felt as if everyone was even more in tune. It’s also been wonderful for Bryan and I to be allowed to have scope to inject our personal perspective on these older characters with the writers. It’s a very relaxing way to work and it’s very exciting to read the scripts because it was a collaborative, trusting and reciprocal thing.

"We are united that Jack and Joan shouldn’t [get together as a couple] because if they ever do, there’d be nowhere else to go and it could spell the end.”

Murder Before Evensong is a Channel 5 and Acorn TV series starring Matthew Lewis, who is best known as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter movies. This murder mystery drama series is based on the popular novels by the Reverend Richard Coles.

Matthew plays Canon Daniel Clement while Amanda Redman (New Tricks) plays his widowed mum Audrey. See the pair pictured above at the star of filming!

Daniel turns sleuth when a body is found at the back of the church. “I’m beyond thrilled to be throwing on the old dog collar and diving into the world of Champton so charmingly created by Rev. Richard Coles,” says Matthew Lewis. “I've been an admirer of his work for some time and love the characters and stories he’s written. It’s an honor to work with this creative team and have the opportunity to bring the character of Canon Clement to life for fans of the book and new viewers alike."

Reverend Richard Coles won himself a legion of fans after appearing on I’m A Celebrity… this year and now he can’t wait for his bestselling books to be brought to life on screen. “I am beyond excited that Canon Clement and his flock are to be turned into television by the brilliant team at The Lighthouse and I’m already planning my cameo appearance,” he says. “Look out for a sinister archdeacon on a sit up and beg bicycle.”

Here’s everything we know about the series Murder Before Evensong on Channel 5 and Acorn TV...

Murder Before Evensong release date

The six-part series Murder Before Evensong will premiere on Acorn TV on Monday September 29 2025 in the US and around the world. In the UK, it starts on October 7 on Channel 5.

Is there a Murder Before Evensong trailer?

Yes you can enjoy the Murder Before Evensong trailer recently released by Acorn TV. Take a look below...

Murder Before Evensong plot 

Murder Before Evensong is based on the plot of Rev. Richard Coles’ first novel in the series. It follows Canon Daniel Clement (Matthew Lewis) who lives in Champton Rectory with his widowed mother Audrey (Amanda Redman) and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda. When Daniel decides to install a lavatory in the church, the plan divides his congregation and long-buried secrets begin to emerge. Then Anthony Bowness, cousin to Champton’s patron Bernard de Floures, is found dead at the back of the church having been stabbed with a pair of secateurs. As the bodies begin piling up, Daniel must try to catch the killer and keep his divided community together.

Murder Before Evensong cast — Matthew Lewis as Daniel Clement

In Murder Before Evensong, Matthew Lewis plays the Canon turned detective Daniel Clement. He shot to fame as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter movies. He has also been in Me Before You, Avoidance, All Creatures Great and Small, Ripper Street, The Syndicate and Happy Valley.

Who else is starring?

The rest of the cast for Murder Before Evensong includes Amanda Redman (New Tricks) as Daniel's widowed mother Audrey, Amit Shah (Happy Valley) as DS Neil Vanloo, Adam James (The Day of the Jackal) as Bernard De Floures, Meghan Treadway (One Day) as Honor De Floures, newcomer Alexander Delamain as Alex De Floures, Marion Bailey (The Crown) as Kath, Amanda Hadingue (Kaos) as Dora, Tamzin Outhwaite (EastEnders, The Wives) as Stella Harper, Francis Magee (Kin) as Edgy, and Nina Toussaint-White (Showtrial) as Jane Thwaite.

Behind the scenes and more on Murder Before Evensong

Murder Before Evensong was filmed in the West Midlands, England, in early 2025 with support from the West Midlands Production Fund and is due to air later in the year on Acorn TV worldwide and Channel 5 in the UK. Acorn TV maintains worldwide rights to Murder Before Evensong outside of the UK with AMC Networks handling global content sales.

Radford Neville, Executive Producer and Director of The Lighthouse added: “We can’t wait to bring Richard’s fabulous world of vicars, miniature dachshunds and bloody murder to audiences around the globe in this complex and gripping mystery.”

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 commented: “We cannot wait to bring Murder Before Evensong to life, blending intrigue and wit with a truly unique central character. Matthew Lewis is the perfect choice to lead this adaptation of the Reverend Richard Coles’ beloved novel, and with The Lighthouse team behind this series it will offer a fresh take on the murder mystery genre while celebrating the charm and secrets of village life."

Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV) adds: “Richard’s brilliantly layered storytelling offering surprise and delight around every corner is the exact crime-focused fare Acorn TV’s intellectually curious audience craves. Matthew’s embodiment of Canon Daniel promises a bold and compelling adaptation that we can’t wait to see. We’re delighted to work alongside Richard, Nick, David, Matthew, as well as our partners at The Lighthouse and Channel 5, to bring this highly praised bestseller to the small screen.”

Paul Ashton, Head of Film & TV, Creative UK adds: “The West Midlands Production Fund is delighted to be supporting the show at such an important moment for the region’s profile as a home for high-end TV - with what we hope will be an instant hit with audiences.”

All about Murder Before Evensong author Reverend Richard Coles 

The Reverend Richard Coles was a member of the 1980s band The Communards and had a huge hit with the song Don’t Leave Me This Way. He found religion in his early 20s and was ordained in 2005. Richard retired from parish duties in 2022 and he released his first mystery novel Murder Before Evensong in June of that year. The sequel A Death in the Parish was published in June 2023 and Murder at the Monastery followed a year later. The Rev. also made the final three on I’m A Celebrity… in 2024, Have I Got News For You, Celebrity Masterchef, The Big Painting Challenge and Good Grief with Reverend Richard Coles. He appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017.

Filming has wrapped on Whitstable Pearl season 3, which means new episodes of Acorn TV’s charming coastal crime drama are on the horizon - and now we have a brand new trailer!

Inspired by Julie Wassmer’s murder-mystery novel series, the new outing will follow Kerry Godliman as restaurateur-turned-PI Pearl Nolan, as she uncovers a series of colourful new crimes in Kent.

Also returning are Frances Barber as Pearl's razor-sharp mother, Dolly, Howard Charles as brooding DCI Mike McGuire and Robert Webb (who joined in season 2) as laidback supply teacher Tom Grant.

When What To Watch caught up with Frances last month for this interview, we held back some of her exciting news about season 3 in order not to disclose spoilers for the launch of season 2 on U. Now, however, here’s the second part of that lovely and very interesting chat where the fabulous star tells us what to expect from Whitstable Pearl season 3…

Warning — spoilers beyond this point

Whitstable Pearl season 3 — release date

Whitstable Pearl series 3 aired exclusively on Acorn TV on Monday, 21 October 2024 with Episode 1, then weekly on subsequent Mondays.

Seasons 1, 2 and 3 of Whitstable Pearl are now available on Acorn TV.

The third season of Whitstable Pearl 3 lands on free-to-air U&Drama on Friday 25 July 2025 at 9pm. Episodes will be shown weekly on U&Drama and as a box set on streaming service U.co.uk.

“We've literally just finished on season three and we're over the moon because, when we were filming in Whitstable everybody stopped us and said how much they enjoy the banter between me and Kerry as mother and daughter,” says Frances when she joins What To Watch for an exclusive chat. “It’s just been joyous, I can't tell you how happy we are [to return] because we love it and we're like a family now too!”

Whitstable Pearl season 3 — first look image and information

From Acorn: "The Whitstable Pearl restaurant is thriving and so is Pearl’s detective sideline. After a short hiatus, DCI Mike McGuire returns to Whitstable, re-energised and determined to make progress in his quest for self-healing. He and Pearl continue to make a formidable team as they work through various cases together – Pearl never needing Mike’s help as much as he needs hers.

"As cracks start to show in Pearl and Tom’s relationship and Mike finally comes to terms with how his wife died, will Pearl and Mike acknowledge their deep feelings for one another?"

Whitstable Pearl season 3 — cast and characters

Confirmed returning stars are Kerry Godliman as the eponymous Pearl Nolan, Frances Barber as her man-eating mother, Dolly Nolan, Howard Charles as Pearl’s sometime love interest DCI Mike McGuire and Robert Webb as her season 2 squeeze, supply teacher Tom Grant.

“Tom has sustained his relationship with Pearl into season three, but Dolly wants to shake her because she thinks Tom is boring and knows that her daughter is in love with McGuire.”

Also returning are Rohan Nedd as Pearl's son Charlie Nolan and Isobelle Molloy as Ruby Williams.

“The kids, Ruby and Charlie, are back! In the second series, Charlie went off to Canada because that's where he thinks his father is, and Ruby’s heartbroken because she loves him. But in the third series, he comes back from Canada and… actually that’s all I can say at the minute!”

Its unconfirmed if Emily Head (The Inbetweeners) will be returning as Kat Bergman after her character split up with Mike at the end of season two. It's also currently unknown if Geoff Bell (His Dark Materials) will be returning as Dolly's squeeze Bill Tait. However, Sophia del Pizzo will be reprising her role as as fan favourite DS Nikki Martel.

Check out this first look clip of Pearl and Mike reuniting after three months apart in season 3 of Whitstable Pearl.

Whitstable Pearl season 3— episodes

Frances has provided insight into some of the adventures viewers can expect in series three:

“What's going to be interesting for those who stick with us and watch season three is that Howard has gotten really fit. As he’s lost weight since we shot season two, they've put in this whole subplot about Mike going on a journey of self-discovery in order to come to terms with the death of his wife. She had a bucket list that she wasn’t able to fulfil, so he does it for her.

“In the third series you’ll also see Dolly do a bit of detective work! In fact, not ‘a bit’, quite a lot actually. This is for one very practical reason - Kerry wasn't available for three weeks because she had to go to America and Dolly says, ‘Well, yes my daughter is a private detective, but I taught her everything she knows!’ So that solved that and I loved playing detective in some quite tricky storylines about murdering food critics and all kinds of stuff!”

Season 3 of Whitstable Pearl will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and continue with its 6 x 45 minute episode format. See our episode guide below for more.

Whitstable Pearl — season 3 episodes

Episode 1

Girl, Whitstable Beach

Premieres Monday, October 21 on Acorn TV

Series three returns with a new mystery involving a local woman and mum of twins, who’s spotted on the beach seven years after her disappearance. As every element of the show is evolving, from the main players to increasingly complex cases, the denouement is unexpected!

Meanwhile, Pearl and Tom are the picture of contentment, as is Mike after a three month sabbatical - but will it last?

Guest stars: Penny Downie (Izzy), Sally Ann Triplett (Val), Rob Compton (Luke), Lauren Akosia (Jenny), Connor Curren (Joey).

Episode 2

Death, the Devil and the Fool

Premieres Monday, October 28 on Acorn TV

A little girl goes missing at the Whitstable Psychic Fair and skeptical Pearl has to join forces with a psychic to help find her.

Guest stars: Rachel Woodward Carlton (Flora), Kacey Ainsworth (Cassie) Jaye Jacobs (Tanya Thomas), Marc Baylis (Paul Thomas).

Episode 3

Oysters Kilpatrick

Premieres Monday, November 4 on Acorn TV

Just as Pearl allows herself a luxury weekend away with Tom, a food critic drops dead in the Whitstable Pearl. Will she come home or stay with Tom?

Guest stars: Rufus Jones (Theo), David Verrey (Paddy), Evan (Tom Tidiman), Isis Davis (Roxy).

Episode 4

Prisoners of the Past

Premieres Monday, November 11 on Acorn TV

Pearl is pulled away from Whitstable when she realises that Charlie is back in the UK. But why hasn't he told her he's returned from Canada and now living in London?

With her gut telling her to find him and desperate to know if he's okay, Pearl heads to that there London to look for her son. Initially it's a near-impossible task, but fortunately a former colleague and close friend of Mike's is on hand to help, which leads to Pearl making a discovery about the grieving detective's past. Why are both Mike and Charlie keeping secrets from her?

Meanwhile, in Whitstable, the release of convicted murderer, Phil Nevin, ruffles feathers - especially for Dolly, Nikki's mum Janet, and retired detective Dickie.

Mike and Nikki see things from a different perspective, however, and decide to do some digging into the 30-year-old case as Phil continues to pled his innocence. Is there more going on here than meets the eye?

Guest stars: Kate Robbins (Janet), Dave Johns (Phil Nevin), Francesca Knight (Paula Nevin), Bamshad Abedi-Amin (Lee), Sam Phillips (Roy), Larry Lamb (Dickie Masters), Vicki Michelle (Patti), Adil Akram (Omran Malik).

Episode 5

Walking with Ghosts

Premieres Monday, November 18 on Acorn TV

Halloween gets even spookier when a ghost tour guide sees a body being buried on the beach in Whitstable. But Pearl wants to know where the body’s gone?

Guest stars: David Hargreaves (Jason Cranage), Rupert Hill (Ian Cranage), Hersha Verity (Freya Cranage), Leanne Rowe (Greta Waterford).

Episode 6

Someone Like Me

Premieres Monday, November 25 on Acorn TV

A taxi driver turns up dead with a bullet through his head and an investment banker is nearly assassinated. Pearl goes to investigate who wants him dead.

Whitstable Pearl season 3 — filming locations

The Kent-set series is back on homeground for the third season.

“It was just gorgeous to be back filming the third series in Whitstable. In the second series the viewers saw a lot more of Kent because they branched out a bit, and so, there are some scenes in Dover and in Margate - which felt like coming home for me because I filmed Dreamland in Margate there with Lily Allen and Sheila Reed and absolutely loved it,” says Frances.

“Kent, as we know, is the Garden of England and is beautiful, I think American viewers particularly will love to see it. At one point, during filming someone came up to Howard and said they’d been looking for Pearl’s restaurant for a year, and Howard had to tell them, ‘I’m so sorry but it's in a studio in Limehouse!’ The exterior is in Whitstable, the interior is in a big studio setting because otherwise there's no room for the cameras!”

Whitstable Pearl season 3 — guest stars

There is a treasure trove of guest stars in Whitstable Pearl season 3! From Kate Robbins and Larry Lamb to Penny Downie and Vicki Michelle. See our episode guide above for more details.

Past guest stars have included Jo Martin, Nicola Stephenson, Leon Ockenden, Leah Brotherhead, Oliver Dench, Rishi Nair, Annette Badland and Stephanie Beacham.

Speaking about the popularity of the series, Frances says: “Whitstable Pearl is a bit off the wall, while also being warm and funny - we love the humour in it and that it’s a little bit camp! Also, Whitstable is so filmic. It looks like a lovely sleepy seaside town, yet it lends itself to all kinds of shenanigans each week! I know it sounds cliche, but we do genuinely feel a bit of family now; it's such a joy to see everybody and mess about with them. We also do a lot of improvising on the day, which is really fun.”

Frances on working with Acorn TV

“As well as Whitstable Pearl, I’m in The Chelsea Detective with Adrian Scarborough, which is also Acorn - we’re going into our third series with it as well! I love Acorn. I absolutely love them. It’s like they've got a little rep company going and we’re thrilled about it.”

Is there a trailer for Whitstable Pearl season 3?

Yes, you can get a taste of all the drama to come in the new trailer...

Whitstable Pearl — season 3 additional information

Whitstable Pearl is an Acorn TV Original Series produced by the UK independent production company Buccaneer.

It’s executive produced by Tony Wood and Richard Tulk-Hart for Buccaneer, Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer for Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV), Øystein Karlsen, Mike Walden and Julie Wassmer.

Debbie Pisani serves as producer.

Mike Walden returns as writer alongside Sarah Louise Hawkins, Joe Ainsworth, Ciara Conway and Kit Lambert.

David Sant and Steve Brett serve as directors.

Whitstable Pearl is distributed internationally by Cineflix Rights.

Want to know more about series three of Whitstable Pearl? Check out our interview with Kerry Godliman, as she reveals all on new star-studded series

Whitstable Pearl exclusive interview: Kerry Godliman ‘We start shooting season three in a couple of months!’

Ellis is a new detective drama on Channel 5 and Acorn TV that follows a tenacious cop drafted in to help with failing investigations.

The three-part crime drama stars Mr Loverman’s Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis with Outlander’s Andrew Gower as DS Harper, her right-hand man. The pair are parachuted into cases that seem to be at a dead end, and each time they must win over the local task forces and solve seemingly impossible crimes. The series is made up of three feature-length episodes

Here’s everything you need to about the Channel 5 crime series Ellis…

Ellis release date 

Ellis is a three-part series starting on Channel 5 from Thursday October 31 2024 at 8pm, with episodes running weekly at the same time and also becoming available on streaming service MY5.

The series will also land on streaming service Acorn TV from Monday November 4 2024.

Is there an Ellis trailer? 

Yes a couple of trailers for Ellis have now been released. Take a look at both below...

Ellis plot

The three-part series follows DCI Ellis, who as a female cop is used to being overlooked and underestimated. However, she’s a top-class murder detective and, alongside her partner DS Harper, is brought in to help solve cases that seem to be making no progress. However, their arrival isn’t always welcome.

Each two-hour episode sees the pair arrive at a different police station to tackle a particularly tricky crime.

Ellis series 1 episode guide

Here's a guide to the three Ellis episodes which we'll be adding to as the series progresses...

Episode 1: Thursday October 31
In the opening episode, Ellis battles faces hostile local officers as she looks into the shocking death of a talented young swimmer and faces a race against time to find his missing girlfriend. "Ellis is not welcomed, because if she's there, it’s because the force has got something wrong," explains Sharon. "And the dead boy’s mum is an ex-MP who doesn’t trust this police station, which is partly why Ellis has been brought in." Ambitious DS Chet Harper (Andrew Gower), who’s based at the station, is assigned to work with Ellis, and, after her initial exasperation with him, she spots his potential and he eventually joins her on her subsequent missions. "Harper must win Ellis over," shares Sharon."He sees she does things differently and thinks, “That's the kind of cop I want to be.” And she sees something in him. Their partnership is glorious!"

Episode 2: Thursday November 7
DCI Ellis and DS Harper have their work cut out when they investigate the disappearance of a police officer. After DS Jenny Rawler vanishes, the pair are sent to her station, where they soon uncover connections to a local crime family, the Duffys, while secrets in Jenny’s home life emerge. But there are also concerns about the station’s sexist culture, and Jenny was due to make a complaint about workplace bullying. Can Ellis (Sharon D Clarke) and Harper (Andrew Gower) get to the truth? "It’s to do with a detective, so it feels personal," says Andrew. "But there’s corruption and chauvinistic men, and they are met with friction…"

Episode 3: Thursday November 14
The disappearance of a young couple sparks a challenging investigation in the finale of Ellis. While on honeymoon in a Peak District village near a treacherous river, Rachel and Oz Hoffman vanish. And as DCI Ellis (Sharon D Clarke) and DS Harper (Andrew Gower) are brought in to help, the case takes a chilling new direction when a severed hand is found... But there are several lines of enquiry, as Rachel’s complex past connections to the area, and the time she spent in a band with a group of pals, including fiery Abbie Summerfield (Charley Webb), emerges. Meanwhile, online amateur sleuths hinder the detectives’ progress. ALso look out for Benidorm star Josh Bolt as DI Archie Dent.
"It’s a small place where everyone knows each other, but the case is overwhelming the police and it’s on social media, so people are trying to solve it," says Sharon. ‘Some are using social media for their own agenda, and it gets in the way."

Ellis cast — Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis

Actress and singer Sharon D Clarke plays the compassionate and determined cop DCI Ellis, who says: "You're not with a particular police station or the same people each week, Ellis is transient. Having someone coming in and troubleshooting is nice. The dynamic changes every time. So the audience sees how various police stations are run. And it's how Ellis deals with that. Plus, each episode, I get a fresh cast to play with!

"She has a daughter, Grace, who’s been through a hard time, and there is a story going on there… But [at work] Ellis has risen through the ranks and found her niche. For her, it's about principles and protocol. And her memory’s phenomenal – mine’s rubbish! She's looking at cases from another angle. And she’s digging beneath the surface and seeing how dots connect. But although Ellis seems impatient and demanding with people she's working with, she has compassion and understanding with victims. I love that she's different, and it’s all about emotion."

* Sharon D Clarke was a regular on the hospital drama Holby City, playing Lola Griffin from 2003 to 2019, and was Anita in the film Rocks. She starred in recent BBC1 drama Mr Loverman. She played the UK Prime Minister in the film Red, White and Royal Blue and has also been in Showtrial, Doctor Who, Tau, Rocketman, Informer and The Singing Detective. She narrated the children’s series Boo! and has won three Olivier Awards.

There's more of Sharon's interview on Ellis here...
'DCI Ellis is cool, I like her! She is undaunted and dogged'

Andrew Gower as DS Harper

Andrew Gower plays Ellis’ number two DS Harper (see in picture above). He's previously played Prince Charles Edward Stuart in Outlander and Nick Cutler in Being Human. He’s also been in Black Mirror, Carnival Row, The Winter King, You, Monroe and Miss Scarlet and The Duke.

Who else is starring in Ellis series 1?

Other cast for Ellis include Last Tango In Halifax star Josh Bolt as DI Archie Dent in episode three, former Emmerdale star Charley Webb as Abbie Summerfield in episode 2, Stephanie Levi-John as Naomi McKeith, plus Wayne Foskett as Michael Edwards.

Behind the scenes and more on Ellis season 1

Ellis is produced by Company Pictures, in association with All3Media International – which will also represent the show outside of the UK — and Northern Ireland Screen.

Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Paramount UK and Channel 5, says: “Ellis is a brilliant addition to our scripted slate, and we are thrilled to be working with the teams at Acorn TV and Company Pictures on this gripping new series. I can’t wait to see the incredible Sharon D. Clarke bring DCI Ellis to life.”

Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV), adds: “Acorn TV is known for compelling, intriguing and invigorating detective dramas, and Ellis delivers on every note. We are elated to have found our ideal DCI in the incomparable Sharon D. Clarke, and we are excited to work with both Channel 5 and Company Pictures again.”

Kerry Godliman - Whitstable Pearl season 3 exclusive with spoilers

Whitstable Pearl goes from strength to strength with every passing season, further endearing itself to fans of the coastal crime drama and all who sail in her. 

As the series returns for a third outing we can’t wait to catch up with the main characters, who we’ve taken to our hearts. So, for an exclusive video interview with Kerry Godilman, who plays main character Pearl Nolan, we came armed with a list of questions about our favourites. 

Kerry, a fellow fan of lists, lights up when we explain that we’re planning a special segment on the characters (see below)...

“I love that - I operate in lists, it’s one of my favourite things! I once had a [BBC4] radio show called Kerry’s Lists, so let’s tick ‘em off,” grins the star, who began playing the warmhearted restaurateur and private eye on Acorn TV’s original series in 2021. “I’m so glad we’ve made this third season. I really like Pearl’s journey and the way she’s growing and evolving. In the beginning, she was a fledgling detective, now she’s confident and established.”

Here, Kerry shares her Pearls of wisdom on what’s in store for the ensemble cast in Whitstable Pearl season 3…

Pearl Nolan played by Kerry Godliman

"We find her in a good place. She’s very content with Tom - they've been going out for a while now and she’s very relaxed in that relationship, despite what her mum says! Her son Charlie is away exploring Canada, and so Pearl feels liberated by this new chapter. She’s busy too. The restaurant is thriving and she’s got loads of clients and mysteries to solve," says Kerry. "But who wants to watch a drama where everyone is happy? There's a fabulous little love triangle bubbling away between Pearl, Tom and Mike!"

DCI Mike McGuire played by Howard Charles

A person of interest to Pearl since their brief affair in series one, in the opening episode of the new series the grieving widower returns to Whitstable after a three-month sabbatical. He’s not saying where he’s been, but he’s got a new Zen-like demeanour and positive attitude…

“You're meant to think Mike is a changed man, but he very quickly reverts to his nature,” reveals co-star Kerry. “Pearl fancies him, but she doesn’t think they’re a good match even though they’d have a passionate time. She enjoys the comfort of her relationship with Tom, but loves flirting, arguing and solving crimes with Mike! That frisson of possibility is the steam that motors the show’s engine.”

Tom Grant played by Robert Webb

The substitute maths teacher is smitten with Pearl the longer their romance continues, so he’s deeply hurt when finds himself sidelined as Pearl’s caseload increases and Mike returns. Even so, he’s ready for the next step in their relationship, but are the odds stacked against his dreams of a happily ever after?

“Robert and I have decided that Pearl and Tom are a very happy union and I wouldn’t like to see him leave, but the writers are determined to put a fly in the ointment,” confesses Kerry. “He adores Pearl and she basks in the sunlight of the adoration. Unfortunately, he feels she’s out of his league so that insecurity niggles away for him…”

Charlie Nolan played by Rohan Nedd

At the end of the last series, Charlie headed off to Canada to get to know his father better. It turns out, however, that there’s a reason Pearl dislikes her ex, and his criminal actions find her son on the wrong side of the law and hiding out in London during the third series of Whitstable Pearl.

“To the best of Pearl's knowledge, Charlie’s having a good time in Canada,” teases Kerry. “She doesn’t want to get in the way of his relationship with his dad, so she lets him go. But it becomes clear later in the series that she needs to intervene and get him back home.”

Dolly Nolan played by Frances Barber

With Pearl distracted with matters of the heart and concerns for her son Charlie, Dolly steps up to the plate and keeps both the Whitstable Pearl and the detective agency ticking over. In fact, she combines both of her daughter’s jobs when a food critic dies at the restaurant in episode three!

“Dolly is in a good place, her self-worth has increased, and it isn't rooted in her having a fella on the go!” discloses Kerry. “We’ll see her stepping up with the detective agency as well as co-running the restaurant. Pearl’s happy to let her take the reins because she’s a powerful woman and a shrewd cookie.”

DS Nikki Martel played by Sophia Del Pizzo

Mike’s trusted partner in crime solving has her world rocked when she suspects a historic murder conviction was the result of corrupt policing. Is this devastating miscarriage of justice linked to her retired detective mum, Janet?

“I don’t know how much I can say about this story, but you’ll see the brilliant Kate Robbins guest starring as Nikki’s mother,” reveals Kerry. “Nikki’s a great character, wry, dry, young, plucky and ambitious. She’s also very tolerant of Mike’s moodiness and has a love for him that’s sweet and deep. It’s a real treat to see Kate play her mum.” 

Ruby Williams played by Isobelle Molloy

Charlie’s former girlfriend’s feelings chill for him when he goes off-grid. The single life gives her time and space to discover her superb cooking talents under Dolly and Pearl’s watchful eye. She also untaps her creative side with Tom’s encouragement.

“I love Ruby! She's someone we didn’t see near enough of in season two, I’m very happy that she's back in full force this time around. She’s like a surrogate daughter to Pearl,” smiles Kerry. “There’s a lot of fun with a through-line about an amateur production of The Sound of Music. I won’t give anything away but at the end you do see one character in full glory as Mother Superior. It’s hilarious!”

Whitstable Pearl season 3 started on Acorn TV on Monday, October 21, 2024, and one episode of the six-parter will be made available weekly. 

Check out our full interview with Kerry for more in Whitstable Pearl series 3

Kerry Godliman’s coastal crime drama Whitstable Pearl was an instant hit when it first launched on Acorn TV in 2021, endearing itself to audiences with its curious cases, scenic backdrops and the comedian’s warmhearted portrayal of restaurateur turned private eye Pearl Nolan. 

Later this month the series returns with Whitstable Pearl season 3 with a string of fresh investigations - including a kidnapping at a psychic fair and the murder of a food critic.

There’s also a treasure trove of guest stars - including EastEnders’ Larry Lamb and Casualty’s Jaye Jacobs - and new developments in the moreish love triangle between Pearl, laidback teacher Tom Grant (Peep Show star Robert Webb) and broody DI Mike McGuire (Top Boy’s Howard Charles), as the series based on Julie Wassmer’s novels continues to go from strength to strength…

Here, After Life and Trigger Point star Kerry shares her thoughts on why, in a sea of crime dramas, the wholesome whodunnit has moored its place in viewers’ hearts…

Kerry Godliman - exclusive interview 

The first episode of Whitstable Pearl season 3 is available to watch on Acorn TV from Monday, October 21 2024. Subsequent episodes will be made available on a weekly basis.

Guide to Whitstable Pearl season 1

Whitstable Pearl season 2 

An exclusive interview with Kerry Godliman on Whitstable Pearl season 1

An exclusive interview with Frances Barber on season 2 of Whitstable Pearl 

Based on the Sally Andrews books, the quirky South Africa-set series Recipes for Love and Murder is an unusual mix of food porn and murder mystery, in which cook turned agony Tannie (‘auntie’ in Afrikaans) Maria (Maria Doyle Kennedy) solves crimes, in between sharing her mouth-watering culinary creations.

Her new sleuthing career starts when Maria fears a woman writing in to her advice column may be in danger, and she joins forces with her young colleague, Jessie (Kylie Fisher), to investigate. 

Here is everything you need to know about Recipes for Love and Murder...

Recipes for Love and Murder air date 

The 10-episode series Recipes for Love and Murder will air Monday, September 5 on Acorn TV. Two episodes will be released weekly. 

The series lands on U&Drama on Sunday 29 September 2024 at 8pm when it will also be available as a box set on its free-to-air streaming service U.

Recipes for Love and Murder cast

The hefty cast that are joining Maria Doyle Kennedy are:

• Kylie Fisher as Jessie September
• Elton Landrew as Piet Kasin
• Alan Committie as Cornel Van Wyk
• Grant Swanby as Marius Rabie
• Tony Kgoroge as Khaya Meyer
• Daneel Van Der Walt as Ann Pretorius
• Anele Matoti as Franck
• Robyn Scott as Aileen McKlintlock
• Lee Duru as Grace Zihlangu
• Jennifer Steyn as Hattie Wilson
• Arno Greeff as Regardt Snyman
• Khadija Heeger as Charlene September
• Bennie Fourie as Dirk Burger
• Kazi Khuboni as Georgie
• Terence Bridgett as Doep
• Rolanda Marais as Candice (Candy) Webster
• Richard Wright-Firth as Gordon McClintock

What is the plot of Recipes for Love and Murder?

Maria Purvis aka Tannie Maria (meaning "Auntie Maria" in Afrikaans) is an advice columnist who moved to Scotland during her childhood and returned to South Africa ten years ago after her husband died.

She now offers advice and recipes in the local gazette in the fictional town of Eden in the South African region of The Karoo.

Usually a reserved person who focuses on food and gardening, her life takes an eventful turn when a woman called Martine writes to Maria about her abusive husband who is found dead. 

Maria decides to join forces with rookie journalist Jessie September (Kylie Fisher) to help solve the murder and catch the killer before they claim more victims.

Maria Doyle Kennedy interview

We caught up with Irish singer and Outlander star Maria Doyle Kennedy to find out what’s on the menu…

What sort of person is your namesake Maria?

"She is so sweet. She wants to observe people and comment on what's going on around her, but she does it all through food! Also, she’s Scottish — and I love to have an accent!"

Maria keeps herself to herself. Is there a reason for that? 

"She lives on her own in a little farmhouse way outside of town, with just her pet chicken, Morag. She's carrying sorrow and has a secret she wants to keep. But even though she’s quite isolated, at the same time she's the heart of the town."

The cookery scenes wouldn’t look out of place in a Nigella Lawson cookery show! Who’s the inspiration behind your cooking? 

"My granny grew rhubarb, had a big gooseberry bush, and was forever baking gooseberry pies. So I think I was channeling my inner granny, rather than my inner Nigella!"

Have you ever written to an agony aunt? 

"I think I wrote to Jackie magazine when I was about 10, because I fancied some boy. The answer was: ‘Just stick to the comics for the moment!’"

Are you good at giving advice? 

"I think it's something Irish people do a lot, as we love to sit down and chat. My friends and I definitely thrash things out together, although after several drinks, the advice tends to be less good!"

Although it’s a crime drama, this is something the whole family can sit down and watch together, isn’t it?

"Yes, and when I read the book the series is based on, I knew I could watch it with my children. But having said that, of all the jobs I’ve had, the only one they have ever responded to was when I was in Father Ted!"

Finally, what’s your signature dish? 

"I am good at comfort food and I make a decent Sunday roast, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and a few Italian dishes. But my husband does all the fancy, experimental stuff, discovering new vegetables and fruit that we've never heard of before!"

Is there a trailer for Recipes for Love and Murder?

You can watch the trailer below where we see Maria's more comedic side!

Following on the heels of Signora Volpe season 1, the detective series returns for more in Signora Volpe season 2. Sylvia Fox (Emilia Fox) was hoping to enjoy the picturesque Italian countryside as she starts a new life away from her former life as a high-ranking British spy. However, a series of crimes in her local community brings her out of retirement and back to what she does best. 

The series was filmed on location in Italy's Lazio and Umbria regions, with the charming countryside helping to bring the story to life. 

Here's everything we know about Signora Volpe season 2. 

How to watch Signora Volpe season 2 

You can stream Signora Volpe season 2 on Acorn TV or free in the UK on U Player.

Signora Volpe season 2 premiered Monday, July 29, on both Acorn TV and BBC America. The three-part season will run through August 12. UK viewers need to head to Acorn TV on that date.

To watch Signora Volpe season 2 on Acorn TV, viewers will need a subscription to the streaming service. BBC America is included in many cable TV packages, and it's also available through a subscription to AMC Plus. 

• The best Acorn TV Shows to stream right now

Signora Volpe season 2 episode guide

Signora Volpe season 2 episode 1: "A Debt of Honor"
"Investigating a community leader's murder, Sylvia uncovers a trail of blackmail, secrets, and love."

Signora Volpe season 2 episode 2: "A Deadly Net"
"Sylvia goes undercover at a lakeside villa, solving a murder and confronting a figure from her past."

Signora Volpe season 2 episode 3: "Death of a Ghost"
"When an old foe abducts Sylvia, she must draw on her formidable reserves of physical and mental resilience to escape; while Riva investigates through official channels, Henry and Isabel run their own covert operation, all of them racing to save her."

Signora Volpe season 2 premise

Here's the official Signora Volpe season 2 synopsis from Acorn TV:

"As a high-ranking British spy, Sylvia’s physical prowess, investigative skills, surveillance expertise, and proficiency as a markswoman have made her exceptional at solving mysteries. At the end of season one, having fallen in love with Italy and re-established bonds with her sister Isabel (Tara Fitzgerald – Game of Thrones, Belgravia), Sylvia decided to resign from her job at MI6 and start a new life in Umbria. But old habits die hard, and though Sylvia might have left her job at MI6 behind, her unique skillset and appetite for solving mysteries remain undiminished. Over the course of season two, she finds herself investigating the murder of a pillar of the local community, and going undercover for MI6 at a perilous house party by the lake. Then, a dead man comes looking for vengeance, and Sylvia’s family have to race against time to save her life.

"While restoring justice to the local community, Sylvia is joined throughout all three episodes by her extended family with whom she’s reestablished a connection: Isabel, Isabel’s husband Matteo (Matteo Carlomagno – All the Money in the World, Jumper) and daughter Alice (Issy Knopfler – Before We Die, Silent Witness), and her mother-in-law Antonella (Imma Piro – La Mazetta, Fontamara). Her relationship with handsome Carabinieri Capitano (Giovanni Cirfiera – American Crime Story; The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Queen of the South) also grows stronger, but as she continues to interfere in his investigations, he finds himself both frustrated and grateful for her help. Nicholas Farrell (The Crown, The Iron Lady, Chariots of Fire) also guest stars in two episodes as a mystery guest.

"With a bevy of new mysteries to solve set against an Italian countryside backdrop, the second season of Signora Volpe remains not only a suspenseful detective drama but an adventurous summer escape."

Signora Volpe season 2 cast

Take a look at the full cast of Signora Volpe season 2 below:

• Emilia Fox (Silent Witness, Delicious, The Pianist) as Sylvia Fox
• Tara Fitzgerald (Game of Thrones, Belgravia) as Isabel
• Matteo Carlomagno (All the Money in the World, Jumper) as Matteo
• Issy Knopfler (Before We Die, Silent Witness) as Alice
• Imma Piro (La Mazetta, Fontamara) as Antonella
• Giovanni Cirfiera (American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Queen of the South) as Carabinieri Capitano

Nicholas Farrell (The Crown, The Iron Lady, Chariots of Fire) will also appear as a guest star in two episodes in season 2. 

Signora Volpe season 2 trailer

Take a look at the Signora Volpe season 2 trailer below:

Harry Wild season 3 sees the retired professor turned investigator returning to solve some more murder cases.

She is joined by troubled teen Fergus Reid, her unlikely new accomplice who we learned more about in the previous season. When we're reunited with the duo, there's plenty of personal life drama as well as the stresses of solving some head-scratching murders.

The drama picks up after the events of Harry Wild season 2, where we learned about Fergus Reid and how he went from mugging Harry to actually working alongside her.

Speaking about the return of the series, lead actress Jane Seymour said: "I am thrilled for another mystery-packed season of Harry Wild and can’t wait for our fans to see what investigations Harry and Fergus encounter in Season 3."

"It has been such a joy playing this multi-faceted character and returning to Ireland again to work with this talented cast and crew was fantastic."

Here's everything we know about Harry Wild season 3...

Harry Wild season 3 release date

Harry Wild season 3 returned on Monday, May 13 on Acorn TV in the US and UK. It co-premiered on BBC America for US audiences. Season 3 is made up of six episodes which are all available on demand.

Harry Wild season 3 plot

Season 3 presents us with some brand new cases for Harry and Fergus. These include proving that the lead singer of an Irish boyband didn't take his own life, getting to the bottom of why a woman was decapitated in a busy restaurant, and why the director of a popular soap opera was murdered.

On top of this, the agency is still as busy as ever, and Harry and Fergus have to find a way to balance work and life as Fergus plans to contest Paula’s custody claim to his sister. So there'll be some personal dilemmas as well as professional ones.

Harry Wild season 3 cast

Jane Seymour is back as the titular Harry Wild, with Rohan Nedd joining her as Fergus Reid.

We know that this season also stars Kevin Ryan (Guilt, Copper) who returns as Harry’s son and senior police detective, Amy Huberman (Finding Joy, Striking Out) as Harry’s daughter-in-law, as well as Paul Tylak (Kin), and Rose O’Neill.

Is there a trailer?

Yes, there's a trailer for Harry Wild season 3, giving us a very quick 1 minute glimpse at what to expect. Take a look below...

Darby and Joan season 1 is a sunny, funny, and romantic mystery crime series, with plenty of twists and star turns in breathtaking Australian settings. 

Here’s our guide to the eight-part series starring internationally celebrated actors Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi…

Darby and Joan Season 1 release date

Update January 2024: Following it's release on Acorn TV in 2022, Darby and Joan gets its free-to-air premiere on Drama on Thursday 11 January 2024 at 8pm. It will also be boxsetted on UKTV Play. 

Darby and Joan season 1 makes its UK debut on Monday, August 8 2022 with the first two episodes of the eight-part series. Two new episodes will be available on subsequent Mondays. The full box set is available from August 29 2022 along with a bonus ‘Making of’ feature.

We will update this guide with a US release date when one is announced. 

Darby and Joan Season 1 premise

Acorn reveals how Darby and Joan kicks off, saying: “On an isolated but spectacular road in the Australian outback a former cop, Jack Darby (Bryan Brown), is driving his battered Land Cruiser with only his dog for company. In the opposite direction comes a brash English nurse, Joan Kirkhope (Greta Scacchi), in her behemoth RV. The two try their best to avoid each other but Jack meets Joan head on, and their adventure begins.”

They add: “Retired Australian homicide detective Jack Darby has taken to the open road with his dog, Diesel, to flee his past, while recently widowed English nurse Joan Kirkhope is on a reluctant pilgrimage to find answers about her husband’s mysterious death.”

Darby and Joan Season 1 trailer

Darby and Joan main cast

Greta Scacchi (Joan)

Revered Italian-Australian actor Greta Scacchi stars as Joan Kirkhope, a recently widowed woman on a truth-seeking trail in the wake of her husband Ian’s untimely death. 

Joan is described as: “Recently widowed and living her worst nightmare. She’s on a reluctant pilgrimage following her late husband’s mysterious death, seeking answers she knows she’ll probably never find…”

Greta has starred in Presumed Innocent with Harrison Ford, Robert Altman’s The Player, Jefferson in Paris, Brideshead Revisited, War and Peace, Versailles, and The Terror. 

She won an Emmy for her role in Rasputin in 1996 and was nominated for The Most Outstanding Newcomer to Film BAFTA in 1983 for Heat and Dust.  
Speaking to WTW Greta says: "Darby and Joan are both fiercely independent, but it's better when the other one is there. I’ve found some scripts aren’t interested in conveying the spirit of people as they get older. And my feeling is, your spirit doesn't necessarily change as you get older. You might not have so much energy, but you've accumulated layers and layers of life experience. You see these characters react to challenges that are closer to their youthful selves than people might imagine. It's very liberating to play."

Bryan Brown (Darby)

Logie-winning Aussie actor Bryan Brown is probably best known internationally for his starring role in Cocktail alongside Tom Cruise. In Darby and Joan he plays Jack Darby, a retired detective who hitches his wagon to Joan’s star. 

Jack Darby is described as: “Charming, rugged and down-to-earth. But retirement hasn’t been kind and he takes to the open road to escape his regrets”

Bryan has also starred in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, A Town Like Alice, The Thorn Birds, Gorillas in the Mist with Sigourney Weaver, Along Came Polly, Murder in the Outback, Australia, and The Good Wife.

Describing the main characters' personality clashes Acorn says: “They couldn’t be more different: the low key, ruggedly charming Aussie, and the tightly-wound, yet warm, witty and determined Englishwoman, but when they collide in the Australian outback and become drawn into a series of unexpected mysteries, this unlikely investigative-duo soon realize the most intriguing puzzle they face is each other.”

Bryan tells WTW: "I love action and the physical side of filming. I still surf and all that stuff, so that’s fun for me. In episode five Jack’s in a pub, serving drinks behind the counter, and he throws up a glass, catches it, and then high-five a bloke. That’s just for those people who know Cocktail - which got me a lot of free drinks all over the world!"

John Waters (Ian)

John Waters plays Joan’s husband Ian Kirkhope in flashback scenes. Viewers will see glimpses of the couple’s life together, as well as some of his suspect activities in Australia. 

John has starred in The Sullivans, All the Rivers Run, Fireflies, All Saints, Mystery Road, The Commons, The End, and Grey Nomads. 

Speaking about Ian's secret life, Bryan says: "It’s a mystery to unravel. He’s died in [suspicious] circumstances when Joan thought he was in Spain…"

Greta adds: "It’s a terrible shock. Joan is very upset and angry about it. She had no reason to imagine Ian had any secrets. This is the big trauma going on for her throughout the eight episodes. We also have little self-contained mysteries that they come across and solve as part of the format. But the question marks about Ian, how he died, his secrets, was he involved in something criminal, and all sorts of hellish speculation are an ongoing thread."

Anna McGahan (Rebecca)

Anna McGahan plays Joan and Ian’s adult daughter Rebecca, who remains behind in the UK when her mother goes in search of answers about her father. 

Anna has starred in Spirited, Anzac Girls, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, and Picnic at Hanging Rock. 

Diesel the Dog (Kobe and Nudge)

Jack Darby's constant companion Diesel is played by two dogs - Kobe and Nudge. Greta and Bryan tell WTW that working with the dogs didn't always go swimmingly...

Bryan: "I think Nudge got most of the work, didn’t he Greta? I’m a cat man, but I got on well with both of them and thought they were very good."

Greta: "I love dogs, but they didn’t do anything they were told! 

"Do you remember that time we did that shoot on the beach? It had been a hot day and the dog jumped into the water and kept swimming. The wrangler had to jump in fully clothed because the tide was coming in!"

Bryan: "I forgot about that. Evening was coming in and we had to get the shot before it was dark and he’s on the other side of the estuary. That’s something like we’ll never see again!"

Darby and Joan guest stars 

There are some pleasing guests popping up during the eight-part series including Frayed star Kerry Armstrong and Neighbours legend Peter O’Brien. Also making an appearance are Robert Coleby (A Place to Call Home) and Kaarin Fairfax (Picnic at Hanging Rock).

Darby and Joan filming locations

Darby and Joan was filmed in Queensland across the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Redland City, North Stradbroke Island, Mount Isa and Cairns. 

The location is an important element of the Darby and Joan adventures and an essential part of Joan and Jack’s journeys of self-discovery.

Acorn reveals: “Thrown together and drawn into the intriguing mysteries lurking in the isolated, tropical corners of a vast and empty continent, it quickly becomes clear the most fascinating mystery they face is each other.

“Tentative at first, Jack and Joan’s growing relationship drives the series. Like all great love stories, it is complex and complicated, it surprises and delights, it is both comfortable and awkward, it has stratospheric highs and abysmal lows, and, crucially, each character is irrevocably changed because of it.

“With Jack’s idiosyncratic support, Joan is discovering a way to emerge from her pain and find the answers she needs. The prospect is terrifying... And exhilarating.

“And now he’s traveling with Joan, Jack needs to work out how to be with somebody again. He could be the key to finding the answers that Joan is seeking. But is he ready to forgive himself for his past mistakes?”

Darby and Joan — season 1 episode guide

Darby and Joan  — episode 1

Greta Scacchi and Bryan Brown are a class act as straight-talking retirees, Joan Kirkhope and Jack Darby, in this sunny, romantic crime-series. In this first episode, two worlds collide when an unstoppable force (Joan’s RV) meets an immovable object (Jack’s truck) on a lonely outback road. The English nurse is determined to discover why her husband Ian died in Australia after he claimed to be in Spain. Following clues in his filofax and, now truck-less, Aussie detective Jack is forced to join her.

Joan’s first stop in her in her covert and novice investigation into her husband’s betrayal brings them to waterside paradise, Rawson Ridge, where a group of old friends (free-spirits back in the day) gather to farewell a place that once defined them. But as they attempt to recapture their youthful freedom, a tragic death puts a stop to the party. Was it an accidental drowning, or is there more to the story? 

And so begins Darby and Joan's intriguing nomadic crime-solving adventure, interspaced with bickering, breathtaking settings, and episodic whodunnits…

Darby and Joan — episode 2

Accidental travelling companions Joan Kirkhope and Jack Darby prepare to go their separate ways. But, while she’s sleeping, he takes her Land Cruiser on a little detour after receiving a panicked phone call from his pal Declan. Someone driving a ute has pinched Dec’s guns and he needs help finding them pronto! As the retired nurse and detective combine their particular set of skills to track down the culprit, they uncover a fractured family and a tragic feud. Joan, meanwhile, learns that her mysterious partner-in-crime-solving is something of a ladies' man…

Darby and Joan — episode 3

At a remote, mountaintop campground, and after a devastating revelation about Ian’s past, Jack and Joan take a moment to unwind with a friendly bunch of fellow tourists. 

That is until a high-end caravan is stolen and everyone becomes a suspect. And, it turns out, everyone has something to hide!

But in an unexpected turn of events, Joan’s frustration with Jack puts her life in danger after the thieves return to steal her motorhome...

Darby and Joan — episode 4

As Jack and Joan prepare for her first southern hemisphere Christmas by the beach, a dive on the reef goes catastrophically wrong, and Joan does all she can to save an injured diver. As a young woman’s life hangs in the balance, Joan and Jack discover the accident is really a case of sabotage. As the mystery hits home for Jack, he secretly seeks out Rosemary, a woman from his past, to try to make amends for his mistakes.

Darby and Joan — episode 5

In a small outback town on New Year’s Eve, Joan’s search for answers about Ian is waylaid when the motorhome runs out of fuel. 

Taking jobs as waiters (keep an eye out for Bryan Brown's lovely nod to Cocktail in this episode!) to secure the only room available at the local pub, Jack and Joan are drawn into the ‘chop chop’ trade: the sale of illegal tobacco. 

Sparks fly as they investigate until Jack and Joan finally meet on the dance floor as the clock ticks towards midnight... But, when a dangerous fire breaks out they conclude that this is a case of arson! 

Joan is convinced the police have arrested the wrong suspect. But is she right? Or is this a reaction to Jack’s detective daughter, Liz, presenting Joan with the irrefutable evidence that Ian was a murderer?

Darby and Joan — episode 6

At a small coastal community, Jack reconnects with Elyse, a young woman he doesn’t want Joan to meet - the daughter of Rosemary, the bride Jack left at the altar. A surf lifesaving champion, Elyse believes someone tampered with a drug test, causing her to be banned from her sport just before the all-important National Championships. But who would do that to her? 

While Jack attempts to clear Elyse’s name, Joan is shaken when she discovers the truth about Jack and Rosemary’s past. 

Can she really trust Jack?

Darby and Joan — episode 7

En route to a remote bush camping ground, Rebecca’s sudden arrival throws her mum, Joan, into turmoil as she struggles with how to tell her daughter about the murder charges against Ian. The pursuit of Ian’s last movements is temporarily put on hold when a young, neurodivergent Indigenous boy goes missing and the search becomes a potential abduction investigation. 

Meanwhile, Rebecca is determined to bring her mother back to London and begins to question Joan’s wellbeing after she repeatedly sees an ethereal presence...

Darby and Joan — episode 8

In the season 1 finale of Darby and Joan the stakes are sky high for the endearingly gruff and loveable duo.

After Jack is struck by a hit-and-run driver, the return of a threatening figure from his past looms large in the form of Detective Senior Sergeant Bill Carlton (John Jarratt, Wolf Creek,  Jack Irish: Dead Point). 

As the ex-detective recovers, he and Joan turn their attentions to tracking down Ian’s long-lost son, Curtis (Christopher James Baker, True Detective, Boy Swallows Universe), who may hold the key to a mystery, which has made Joan reassess everything she thought about her marriage and husband. 

The surprise return of some familiar faces helps Joan piece together the truth about Ian AKA Rob, but is she ready to put the past to rest? 

Meanwhile, as shocking new threats appear for Jack he decides to end his journey with Joan in pursuit of justice for past wrongs....

Darby and Joan Season 2

Could there be a second series of Darby and Joan?

Speaking to WTW Bryan and Greta seem up for the prospect.

Describing Darby and Joan's unique chemistry Bryan says: "I always think that they’re each other's rescue dog. Both of them are damaged, confused and in turmoil about life. They both need help but don’t know how to ask for it. Then they just bump into each other, and that helps each of them steady their course."

Greta raises hopes for another series further, adding: "Yes, and with the help and support of Darby, Joan navigates through this mystery about Ian. By the end of the series they've uncovered some facts but not completely solved it. They’re going to have to do another series so we can find out what happens next!"

Darby and Joan season 2 confirmed

Update: Acorn TV released a trailer for Season 2 of Darby and Joan announcing that the second series is due to air on the streaming channel from 30 December 2024. Check out the trailer below for an insight into the mismatched couple's upcoming adventures. 

Check out our guide to Darby and Joan season 2

The South Westerlies season one is an Acorn TV Original drama starring Mistresses star Orla Brady and Sleeping with the Enemy's Patrick Bergin, coming soon to Drama.

Here’s everything you need to know…

The South Westerlies season 1 release date

The South Westerlies lands on Drama on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 8 pm and new episodes will air weekly. It is also on UKTV Play and Acorn TV. 

It is also available to watch internationally on Apple TV Plus.

The South Westerlies season one premise

When single-mother Kate Ryan breezes into a small Irish coastal town with her teenage son Conor she appears to be just another holiday maker enjoying a summer break in the breathtaking West Cork setting. Yet there’s much more to her than meets the eye! 

As The South Westerlies gets underway, it’s revealed that Kate (Mistresses star Orla Brady) is a plant, sent by her Norwegian employer, NorskVentus. 

Kate’s mission during the six-parter is to harness her local knowledge and persuade the community to accept the corporation’s plans for a wind farm in exchange for a lucrative promotion. 

But there’s a reason she hasn’t been back to fictional Carrigeen for 15 years and, as Kate gets reacquainted with the people she’s shunned, her past threatens to blow up her future!

Who’s who — cast and characters

Orla Brady — Kate Ryan

A go-getting career woman and single mum, Kate’s worked hard to keep her private life private and bring up her son, Conor, on her own.

When her employers convince her to return to Carrigeen in order to secure a promotion, she has no idea how much her life - and everyone else's - is going to change…

Orla Brady has starred in Mistresses, Eternal Law, Banished, Into the Badlands and Star Trek: Picard. 

Sam Barrett — Conor Ryan

Good humoured and grounded teenager Conor is looking forward to starting university in London in the near future, so he’s more than happy to spend the Summer undercover with his Mammy - especially when he connects with surfer, Poppy.

Will his life be driven off course when he finds out who his father is?

Sam Barrett has starred in The Happy Prince, EastEnders and Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One.

Patrick Bergin — Michael Kelleher 

Michael ‘Big Mike’ Kelleher is very proud of the fact he has all his own hair and the energy of a man half his age. Married to Noreen and father to Callum, when he’s not running the Haven Bar, he’s enjoying his ‘big fish/small pond’ status as a local Councillor. Something that’s made him a few enemies…

Patrick Bergin has starred in Taffin, Sleeping with the Enemy, Robin Hood, Patriot Games, Ella Enchanted, Red Rock and EastEnders.

Ger Ryan — Noreen Kelleher

Noreen gives Kate and Conor a warm welcome when they arrive at her home and business, The Haven Guest House. Married to Big Mike and mum to local radio DJ and public personality Callum (Kevin Ryan, Harry Wild), she often finds herself  in the middle of the warring father and son. 

Will Kate’s arrival cause chaos for the Kellehers?

Ger Ryan has starred in The Commitments, Family, Amongst Women, Queer as Folk, Intermission, The Street and Three Families. 

Eileen Walsh — Breege Muller

Kate’s best friend from a former life, Breege now runs a successful local cafe with her husband Stefan (Julian M. Deuster, Masters of the Air). She’s deeply hurt when Kate returns, and quickly puts two and two together and figures out who Conor’s father is! 

Kate’s worried that Breege will spill the beans, but the Carrigeen local has troubles of her own - her business may be thriving but her marriage is another matter…

Eileen Walsh has starred in The Magdalene Sisters, Pure Mule, Patrick Melrose, Catastrophe and Small Things Like These.

Steve Wall — Finbar 'Baz' Crowley

Recently returned to Carriggeen after two decades in Maui, happy go lucky surfer Baz is delighted to bump into his ex-girlfriend Kate. She is less keen to see him, for reasons which quickly become apparent to Breege. Can Kate get the job done and out of Cork before her secrets and lies come to light and blow up the lives of those she loves? Of course not, sure where’s the fun in that? 

Steve Wall has starred in Silent Witness, Moone Boy, Vikings, Raised by Wolves, Rig 45, The English and Dune: Part Two.

Sorcha Cusack — Geraldine ‘Goldie’ Ryan

Kate’s mother and Conor’s grandmother Goldie rocks up to Carrigeen with a hidden agenda and chaos-causing tactics all of her own. Like mother, like daughter!

Sorcha Cusack has starred in Inspector Morse, Casualty, Snatch, Coronation Street, Pete Versus Life, River, This Way Up, A Discovery of Witches, Father Brown and Murdoch Mysteries. 

The South Westerlies also stars Kyrre Haugen Sydness (Lilyhammer), Amalie Krogh (Neste sommer), Ingar Helge Gimle (Acquitted), Stephen Lord (Penny Dreadful), Lily Nichol (Lockwood & Co.) and Caoimhe O'Malley (Clean Sweep).

The South Westerlies season one — episode guide

The South Westerlies — episode 1  

Little White Lie

Environmental consultant and single mother Kate Ryan is tasked by her energy company boss to return to her Summer hometown of Carrigeen in Ireland to quell opposition to their offshore wind farm plans. But not only is she there under the cover of a family holiday, with her teenage son in tow, but it soon turns out there’s a reason why she hasn’t been back for 15 years – namely surfer ex boyfriend Baz!

The South Westerlies — episode 2

No Word of a Lie

Kate continues her undercover mission, discreetly pushing NorskVentus’ 20% community dividend. A guest-slot on Callum’s radio show helps push her agenda and Kate promises to attend the Town Hall meeting to weigh-in on the pro-wind side. 

However, when Breege unexpectedly arrives to the guesthouse with a bottle of wine and reveals that her marriage is in serious trouble, Kate doesn’t have the heart to leave her friend. She eventually makes it to the Town Hall for the final vote, a landslide against the wind farm. Meanwhile, a delighted Conor reveals that he’s agreed to work for Baz Crowley in his surf school in return for lessons.

Like father like son, wha'?

The South Westerlies — episode 3

Surf's Up

Kate pursues the town’s chief wind-farm objector and gallery-owner Teddy Lawson. She’s not convinced that his objections the they will spoil the beauty of the natural vistas are the full story...

Elsewhere, Breege has discovered that husband Stefan has cancelled a scheduled meeting with their social worker, but holds in her annoyance and reassures him that they’ll make great foster-parents. 

Meanwhile, there's more drama for Kate! The unwelcome arrival of NorskVentus boss Sigrid Andersen takes a backseat when she arrives at the beach and sees Baz trying to resuscitate an unconscious Conor. Sobbing, she implores Baz to save him because "he’s your son!"

The South Westerlies — episode 4

Out in the Open

Kate’s mother Goldie arrives to Carrigeen and pushes her reluctant daughter to come clean about Baz being Conor’s biological father. Kate’s also under pressure from Baz as he threatens to tell Conor if she doesn’t step-up.

With all this going on, it's only natural that Kate drops the ball on her wind-farm mission, so she's grateful when Callum informs her about an anonymous email he received concerning an oil pipeline earmarked to come ashore at Carrigeen. 

If the battleground shifts to Oil Vs Wind, the town will definitely move behind the wind farm, which is good news for Kate's bosses. But the double-agent's good mood is short-lived when her procrastination over telling Conor the truth comes to an unfortunate resolution as Conor makes his own discovery that Baz is his father. 

The South Westerlies — episode 5

Home Truths

Teddy’s suspicions grow over Kate’s true purpose in Carrigeen. Meanwhile, Callum delivers an on-air newsflash about the oil pipeline planned for Carrigeen — he has it on good authority that Teddy Lawson is behind it. Unfortunately for Callum, his fact- checking was thin to say the least and Teddy threatens a hefty defamation suit. And people think small towns are are quiet places!

Elsewhere, Kate desperately tries to re-build her relationship with an unforgiving Conor, while Baz advises that she 'give him space'. The town’s end-of-summer BBQ culminates a series of shock revelations as a drunken Callum denounces his father as the real oil baron behind the pipeline, followed by Noreen publicly accusing Kate of working for NorskVentus. 

The South Westerlies — episode 6

Windswept 

In the season one finale Baz escorts Kate back to his chalet where his comforting embrace turns into something more!

Elsewhere, Breege is told that she and her husband Stefan have made it onto the fostering panel. With mixed emotions she puts pressure on Stefan to agree to keep up appearances, believing it’s the least he can do for her...

Meanwhile, Conor makes a big decision that leaves Kate reeling — the teenager has decided to  stay in Carrigeen with Baz. This lights a fire under Kate, who seeks out Sigrid and threatens to blow the whistle on NorskVentus’ fake pipeline deal with Big Mike. Sigrid counters that Kate will never work in the industry again unless she stays and sees the wind farm through to completion...

The South Westerlies - exclusive interview with Orla Brady

When The South Westerlies debuted on Acorn TV in 2020, we caught up with talented actor Orla Brady for an exclusive interview to learn more about her starring role as a mum keeping secrets and filming this homegrown drama in Ireland…

Is there a trailer for The South Westerlies season 1?

There is! It sets the scene, introduces the characters and contains a nice wee nod to Liam Neeson's Taken

Sally Lindsay's cosy crime drama The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3 has become a firm favorite with viewers who love its compelling blend of loveable characters, sun-soaked locations and intriguing whodunnits.

As creator, co-writer (with Sue Vincent) and star, the series is clearly a labor of love for Sally, who was inspired by her own affection for series like Lovejoy and Murder, She Wrote when she was developing the concept. 

Ahead of the penultimate episode of season three, we caught up with Sally to find out more about her creative process, including how each episode is written, and what her plans are for the show's future...

Sally Lindsay interview for The Madame Blanc Mysteries

• The Madame Blanc Mysteries airs on Thursdays at 9pm on Channel 5 in the UK, and streams on Acorn TV internationally

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special 2023 is almost here — and while there may not be any snow in the fictional southern France village of Sainte Victoire, there's definitely plenty of mystery and mayhem over the festive season!

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special 2022 saw Jean (Sally Lindsay) fighting to clear police chief André Caron's (Alex Gaumond) name after he was accused of murdering his wife. Will another of the Sainte Victoire locals find themselves on the wrong side of the law this year, or could there be nefarious goings-on elsewhere?

Read on to find out all about this year's seasonal special...

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special 2023 release date

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special 2023 will air on Friday, December 22 at 9pm on Channel 5 in the UK.

The international release date for the special on Acorn TV is still to be confirmed.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special 2023 cast

Series creator Sally Lindsay is back as antiques expert and amateur sleuth Jean White, and she'll be joined by series regulars Steve Edge as Dom, Sue Holderness as Judith, Robin Askwith as Jeremy, Alex Gaumond as Caron and Sue Vincent (who co-writes the show with Sally) as Gloria.

The Christmas special also features guest appearances from Bad Education star Vicki Pepperdine as Lydia, It Ain't Half Hot Mum's George Layton as Martin, Tayo Aluko as Johnson, Karine Ambrosio as Brigette, Lyna Dubarry as Lea, Murielle Huet Des Aunay as Lily, and Adrien Mubu as Yves.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special 2023 plot

Christmas is approaching in Sainte Victoire, and Judith and Jeremy have arranged for their friends to attend a murder mystery night at a hotel with something of a spooky history, so Jean, Dom, Caron, Judith, Jeremy and Gloria set off to stay at the Hotel Sanguinet, approximately an hour away.

The hotel is run by Jeremy and Judith's friends Martin and Lydia, who are running out of money and in need of new investors — hence the attempt to impress Judith and Jeremy. Their only staff member is Johnson, the butler, who they inherited from the previous owner and has worked at the Sanguinet for many years.

A terrible storm breaks out unexpectedly, and as the murder mystery event begins, things take a terrible turn when an actual murder is committed!

Jean is determined to solve the mystery and decides to look around the hotel with Dom — so will she unmask the killer and get to the bottom of the ghostly goings-on that have haunted the hotel for many years?

Interview with Sally Lindsay and Steve Edge for The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special 2023 trailer 

Sadly there isn't a trailer yet, but as soon as one is released we will add it to this guide. 

If you've been hoping to sign up for one of the best streaming services or best live TV streaming services, then you might be worried about the cost, and that's where streaming deals step in.

Many streaming services offer deals or discounts, to tempt you into signing up by lowering the monthly (or, sometimes, annual) price. This lets you test their service and library so you can decide whether you want to subscribe for the long run.

Streaming services aren't the most expensive things you can buy, but subscribe to more than a handful and your monthly bill can end up being rather sizeable. That's why streaming deals are really handy, to help you save money while you test services.

To help you save your money, we've brought together a list of the best streaming deals that you should consider, and you can find it all below. Most of the streaming deals out there run for a limited amount of time, but some are permanent, and we've included both on the below list. Of course, if it runs out soon, we'll include a time limit on the entry too.

This list gets updated frequently to add new deals and remove expired ones, so keep checking back if nothing piques your interest.

For more on specific streaming services, check out our individual deals pages here, which go into more detail on free trials and bundles as well as discounts:

• Deals: Apple TV Plus | Disney Plus | Paramount Plus | Hulu | Peacock | ESPN Plus | Sky TV | Sling TV

Streaming service deals in the US

Non-Black Friday deals

Streaming service deals in the UK

Streaming deals FAQs

As London Kills season 4 returns with five new episodes of the whodunnit, the British capital is once again in the spotlight as a savage garden of homicide, revenge plots, turf wars and family sagas.

When we last saw the elite murder squad, DI David Bradford (Hugo Speer), DS Vivienne Cole (Sharon Small), DC Rob Brady (Bailey Patrick) and newly promoted DS constable Billie Fitzgerald (Tori Allen-Martin) were caught up in a complicated case involving corrupt coppers. Namely, Sergeant Ian Durrant (Benjamin O’Mahony) and DCS Jack Mulgrew (John Michie). To muddy matters, Mulgrew was Vivienne’s ex-husband! 

By the time the credits closed on season three Mulgrew had been murdered, Rob and Billie managed to arrest vile racist Durrant, and Vivienne and David had a passionate smooch!

As London Kills series four opens the special crime squad are in a mind-bending new bind, as they must investigate one of their own — friendly family man and all-round team player Rob is in the frame for murder! 

And David, being David, unwittingly escalates this nightmare situation into a living hell when he attempts to help his valued colleague… resulting in another rollercoaster series with twists, turns and loyalties severely tested!

London Kills Season 4 — release date 

London Kills season 4 is coming to BBC One’s daytime schedules on Friday, October 27, at 1.45 pm. All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer on the same date. 

London Kills season 4 is also available to watch on Acorn TV and Amazon Prime Video. 

For anyone who wants to catch up before the new BBC outing, London Kills seasons 1, 2 and 3 are currently on BBC iPlayer. 

Is there a trailer for London Kills season 4?

Yes, check out this post via Acorn TV!

London Kills season 4 — what’s in store for the team

When viewers catch up with the team for the new series there’s barely time to get reacquainted, as episode one sees DC Rob Brady (Bailey Patrick, Bodyguard, The Nest, Bridgerton) charged with murder.

Meanwhile, superior officer DI David Bradford (Hugo Speer, Five Days, The Musketeers, Shadow and Bone) is determined to get the charges dropped, by any means necessary. DS Vivienne Cole (Sharon Small, Nightsleeper, Mistresses, Stonemouth, and The Bay) is conflicted. And Detective Constable Billie Fitzgerald (Tori Allen-Martin, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, Here We Go, Unforgotten) has questions! 

See our episode guide below for more…

London Kills season 4 — guest stars, departing cast and new arrivals…

London Kills has been a magnet for British TV talent since it first kicked off in 2019 and the latest outing is no exception.

Series one guest stars included Jon Pointing (Plebs, Pls Like, Big Boys), Dean Andrews (Ashes to Ashes, Last Tango in Halifax, Emmerdale), Frances Tomelty (Catastrophe, The Nevers, The Woman in the Wall) Glynis Barber (Dempsey and Makepeace, EastEnders, Hollyoaks) and Laurie Brett (Waterloo Road, EastEnders, Shetland).

Series two saw Sophie McShera (Downton Abbey), Kelly Adams (Hustle), Marc Baylis (Coronation Street), Laura Aikman (Waterloo Road, The One), and Steve John Shepherd (EastEnders) among the guest cast.  

Guest stars for series three included Lucinda Dryzek (Silent Witness), Joe Sims (Broadchurch), Deirdre Mullins (Man Down) and Elizabeth Tan (Top Boy).

 Holby City’s John Michie also joined the cast in series three, as DCS Jack Mulgrew — DS Vivienne Cole’s ex-husband, who had an unholy alliance with bent copper Sergeant Ian Durrant (Benjamin O’Mahony, Ripper Street). But, given how things ended last year, neither actor will be returning for the new series…

Now, series four sees Laila Rouass (Hollyoaks, Footballers’ Wives, Holby City) join the cast as a new semi-regular character called DI Yasmin Rafiq.

Chanel Waddock (This Is Going to Hurt, Sneakerhead) returns as Saskia Dunleavy.

While Nicola Stephenson (Brookside, Clocking Off, The Long Shadow), Martin Hancock (Coronation Street, Cradle to Grave, Doctors), Janet Kumah (Criminal Record, The Revengelists), Akuc Bol (The Swimmers, The Dumping Ground) are among this season’s guest stars.

See more cast credits for season 4 in our episode guide below.

London Kills season 4 — episode guide

London Kills season 4 — episode 1

Wake-up Call

As the pacy police procedural returns with a new series, it jumps slap bang into the middle of the action. In this opening episode DC Rob Brady wakes up in his car in Epping Forest with a dead woman in the passenger seat and accelerates from there. New character, DI Yasmin Rafiq (Laila Rouass), arrests him for murder, but Rob’s governor, DI David Bradford, ain’t having it. 

David drags colleagues DS Vivienne Cole and DC Billie Fitzgerald into a dangerous shadow investigation, while conveniently forgetting to mention his secret history with Yasmin. Rude. Especially as he’s just been captured on CCTV kissing Viv!  

Cast: Chanel Waddock returns as Saskia Dunleavy and Laila Rouass (Holby City) is introduced as DI Yasmin Rafiq.

Jackson Bews (Catch-22), Chris J Gordon (Slave Market, Get Even), Daisy Jelley (Geek Girl), Waseem Mirza (Pennyworth) and Maurice Sardison (Suspect) also star. 

London Kills season 4 — episode 2

Fallout

One of the joys of this daytime drama is that it’s a treasure trove for familiar guest stars and this episode boasts two soap legends — Nicola Stephenson, best known for a certain kiss on Brookside and recently seen in devastatingly excellent drama The Long Shadow and Martin Hancock, AKA Corrie eco-warrior-turned-copper, Spider Nugent.

Here Nicola stars as Kathy Lawrence and Martin plays Stu Green, two single parents whose lives unexpectedly collide after Kathy’s dad, Major Len Miller, is murdered in his home. They’re both desperate to protect their respective sons. Meanwhile the elite London murder team investigates and begins to unravel a web of lies spun around the dead man’s dark secrets…

Cast: Nicola Stephenson (The Worst Witch) stars as Kathy Lawrence, Tommy Rodger (Victoria, Shadow and Bone) plays Caleb Lawrence, and Martin Hancock (AKA Coronation Street’s Spider Nugent) plays Stu Green.

London Kills season 4 — episode 3

Old Wounds

A young medical student is stabbed to death and Billie believes it may be connected to another similar gang related incident. 

There are twists and turns as the team attempts to get to the bottom of this callous killing and the community it occurred in. Meanwhile, tension simmers between David and Vivienne - and not in a good way. Will a confrontation compromise their professional relationship?

Cast: Akuc Bol (The Dumping Ground) stars as Shanice Williamson, Narinder Samra (Kidnapped, Grantchester, Ackley Bridge) plays Divnesh Patel, Sophia Capasso (Casualty, EastEnders) plays Ella Baker and Sasha Desouza-Willock (Deep Heat) plays Amina Patel. 

London Kills season 4 — episode 4

Amnesia

A delivery driver is killed and a trace of his movements places him at a pub that his wife is a regular at. She has motives for murder, but claims she can’t recall whether or not she killed her husband due to her alcoholism. Meanwhile, David has questions to answer when he goes MIA while he’s meant to be on duty. 

Janet Kumah (In the Long Run) stars as Marilyn Akintunde, Dempsey Bovell (The Continental, Young Wallander, The Deceived) plays Wayne Abbey, Malachi Pullar-Latchman (The Three Musketeers) plays Stephen Akintunde and Muki Zubis (Nautilus, The Devil's Hour) plays Lola Smith.

London Kills season 4 — episode 5

Vendetta

A boxer confesses to killing her manager, but the detectives think she may be covering for her father. Later, David comes to the devastating realisation that the team doesn't trust him after a suspect accuses him of planting evidence. Knowing that his work friends doubt his honesty he makes a decision about his future on the force…

Cast: Laila Rouass returns as DI Yasmin Rafiq, Holly Dempster (Ackley Bridge) plays Aileen Brennan, Aidan Kelly (Stay Close) plays Cormac Doyle and Violet Verigo (Anatomy of a Scandal) stars as Nadia Pawlak. Mick Slaney and Michael Slaney also star. 

London Kills — additional information

London Kills filming locations

London Kills is filmed on location in London. 

Who created London Kills?

The series was created by Paul Marquess, whose credits include Family Affairs, The Bill, Hollyoaks, Crime Stories, Suspects and Hope Street. 

Will there be a London Kills season 5?

It remains unconfirmed whether London Kills will be renewed for a fifth series. This guide will be updated once more information is available.

London Kills season one — who’s who and cast interviews 

Exclusive interview with Hugo Speer on London Kills season two

London Kills season three ups the ante

London Kills first ever episode reviewed and rated

Harry Wild season 2 returns to Acorn TV, following the success of Wild Harry season 1 which followed a retired university literature professor who ends up solving mysteries.

Harriet "Harry" Wild is back for another round after the first season saw her getting involved in her police detective son's cases, and doing a surprisingly good job of it too!

The first season also saw her teaming up with troubled teen Fergus Reid, who initially mugged her but the two ended up striking up an unlikely bond, and season 2 will explore their dynamic in more detail.

Speaking about the renewal, Matt Graham, general manager of Acorn TV said: "We knew this series was special from the beginning and could not be more thrilled by the response of Acorn TV viewers to this first season of Harry Wild and to see the remarkable Jane Seymour leading and producing a thrilling murder mystery on our platform.

"This series had the most successful premiere week in our history and was our most-watched single season for 2022. We could not be more excited by the prospect of a second season from Jane and this talented creative team.”

Here's what to expect from Harry Wild season 2...

Harry Wild season 2 release date

Harry Wild season 2 premiers on Monday, October 9 on Acorn TV. There are six new episodes in total and each episode will air in the same slot until Monday, November 13.

The series is currently an Acorn Original and it doesn't look like it'll be on other streaming services at the moment.

Harry Wild season 2 plot

Season 2 has teased an "intensely personal" case, which involves Fergus' mother who had previously walked out on her family.

According to Acorn TV, the plot for the new season is: "Harry and Fergus now investigate cases ranging from missing persons to murder. But the six-episode second season will see the wise-cracking pair tackle a case much closer to home when Fergus's mother suddenly turns up, years after abandoning her family. 

"What are her intentions? Can he trust her? And how will the two handle digging in to such an intensely personal case?"

Harry Wild season 2 cast

Once again, series star and executive producer Jane Seymour returns as the titular character.

In a statement, she said: "I was ecstatic to learn how well the show was received. I had the most fun as Harry. I am eager to resume production and continue entertaining everyone with more episodes featuring Harry and Fergus."

She will be reunited with Rohan Nedd in the role of Fergus, and it's looking like the second season will see even more from him.

Meanwhile, Kevin Ryan returns as Charlie Wild, Harry's son and local police officer, and Stuart Graham stars as Ray Tiernan with Amy Huberman as Orla Wild.

First look at Harry Wild season 2

Harry Wild season 2 has dropped a first-look which shows Orla seeking Harry's help. Take a look below...

Is there a trailer?

Yes, there is a full trailer for Harry Wild season 2 and it looks like there are plenty of shocks in store. So far we've only been given a short glimpse at what's to come, and you can take a look below...

Black Snow is a six-part Australian crime drama starring Travis Fimmel of Vikings fame. It follows shocking events at a high school after a ceremony to open a time capsule that was buried 20 years previously, shortly after the mysterious murder of pupil Isabelle. Inside it is a highly cryptic message written by Isabelle which leads to a reopening of her murder case and turmoil in the town...

Here's everything you need to know about Black Snow on BBC Four...

Black Snow release date

Black Snow arrives on Acorn TV from Monday 15 April 2024. The series was first shown in the UK with two episodes on BBC4 on Saturday 23 September 2023 at 9pm and 9.50pm. Double episodes ran weekly. All six episodes are available on BBCiPlayer. Black Snow was previously shown in the US on Sundance Now from Thursday, February 23, 2023 and in Australia on Stan from January 1 2023. 

Black Snow plot

Black Snow is set in the small Australian town of Ashford was rocked to its core when 17 year-old schoolgirl Isabel Baker was murdered back in 1994. Her killer was never found, but when a time capsule buried a few weeks before her death is opened it reveals some chilling clues about the case! 

Following two timelines, one in 1994 and one in 2019, this six-part drama follows Detective James Cormack, played by Vikings star Travis Fimmel, as he tries to crack a cold case that has haunted the town for decades. "James has a lot of issues, childhood issues that he’s still dealing with, parental figures, and I think that’s the reason he became a cold-case detective," says Travis. "It’s cathartic for him to investigate the case, but it brings up lots of painful memories.

"Detective Cormack is a very flawed character. He isn’t from Ashford, but he’s intrigued when he hears Isabel warn of ‘predators posing as friends’ from beyond the grave, once the time capsule is opened.

"He went through some stuff that’s very similar to the stuff that’s going on in the main storyline,’ explains Travis. ‘I think it’s cathartic for him to be doing what he’s doing, but at the same time it brings up a lot of painful memories. The flawed aspect attracted me to the character and the scripts are great - it’s a real whodunit sort of story!"

Following the two timelines of 1994 and 2019, the drama delves into Ashford’s past and brings up heartbreaking memories for Isabelle’s best friend, Chloe Walcott (Neighbours star Brooke Satchwell) who still lives in Ashford. 

Isabel’s death was also devastating for her younger sister Hazel Baker (Jemmason Power) who believes her family were discriminated against by the police because of their heritage as South Sea Islanders. 

Like many other Queensland towns, Ashford is home to a large South Sea community, many of whom were tricked into coming to Australia to work the sugar cane fields from the mid-19th to early 20th century. The controversial slavery-like practice was known as ‘blackbirding’ and is a dark chapter from Australia’s past..

"We never learned that at school, did we?" says Travis. "It was such a great learning curve. I love that Black Snow is going to put the community out there and represent it in some way, educate people, because I was amazed by some of the stuff that I read and learnt and was told.’

Black Snow cast — who's who in the drama

The lead character in Black Snow is Detective James Cormack, played by Vikings star Travis Fimmel. Brooke Satchwell is Chloe Walcott, Jemmason Power plays Hazel Baker, Talijah Blackman-Corowa is Isabel Baker, Seini Willett is Glenda Baker, Eden Cassady plays Kalana Baker, Gulliver McGrath plays Constable Dale Quinn, Annabel Wolfe is young Chloe Walcott, Jimi Banj plays as Joe Baker, Fraser Anderson is young Hector Ford, Josh Macqueen is young Anton Bianchi, Erik Thomson plays Steve Walcott, Lisa Blackman is Aunty Rosa, Kim Gyngell plays Sergeant Troy Turner, Rob Carlton plays Victor Bianchi, Alexander England is Anton Bianchi, Ava Carmont palys young Tasha Hopkins and Kestie Morassi plays Tasha Hopkins.

Houseboat-dwelling detective DI Max Arnold is tackling some fresh cases in The Chelsea Detective season 2.

The picturesque neighborhood of Chelsea might be beautiful on the surface, but DI Max Arnold (Adrian Scarborough) knows that it has got a darker side already after solving a series of crimes in The Chelsea Detective season 1. In the second season, he'll be tackling some new crimes alongside a brand new partner. 

This time around, Max Arnold is being teamed up with a new no-nonsense colleague, DS Layla Walsh (Three Families star, Vanessa Emme). Talking about their working relationship, Scarborough told us: "I think Layla has the capacity to be quite parental with Max. He sometimes treads a fine line between legal and illegal at work and Layla’s good at going, ‘Er, I don’t think that’s a very good idea’ and looking at him in a stern way so he feels admonished. That’s been a lot of fun to play. More of that please!"

Here's what we know about The Chelsea Detective season 2...

The Chelsea Detective season 2 release date

The Chelsea Detective season 2 premieres on Acorn TV on Monday, August 28, 2023. 

You can either subscribe directly via the Acorn TV website or if you're a Prime Video subscriber, you can add Acorn TV to your streaming round-up by adding it to your account as a Prime Video Channel.

The Chelsea Detective season 2 plot

Acorn TV has teased us with a preview for what's to come in The Chelsea Detective season 2. 

A preview on Acorn TV reads: "The second season brings new cases for Detective Inspector Max Arnold (Adrian Scarborough, Killing Eve) and the team to investigate as Detective Sergeant Layla Walsh (Vanessa Emme, Dublin Murders) joins Chelsea CID from Exeter. 

"Layla isn't wide-eyed or naive about life in London, but she is an outsider and will occasionally roll her eyes at the worst excesses of Chelsea. Layla speaks her mind and isn't afraid to be forthright in her questioning — be that questioning a person of interest or questioning how the team investigates their cases."

Adrian Scarborough has also let slip a few details about the new cases the Chelsea team will be facing! When we spoke to him about the new series, he said: "We kick off what appears to have been an art heist that’s gone horribly wrong. The manager of the gallery is found bludgeoned to death. Rachael Stirling plays Rebekah Chaban, the wealthy gallery owner and Kevin Eldon plays her security driver called Roy. 

"But Roy is actually a dodgy ex-copper and he and Layla have a past history together that is not entirely sweet. Later on, there’s a case where a psychotherapist is killed during a live zoom session which is very dark. And there’s also a murder at a luxury Chelsea retirement home.  

Who's in The Chelsea Detective season 2 cast?

Obviously, we can't have The Chelsea Detective without the titular man himself, and Adrian Scarborough is back on board as DI Max Arnold. When we spoke to Adrian Scarborough about the first series, he said playing a lead in a detective was 'something of a dream for most character actors', so it's no surprise he's back on board.

Joining him for the new series is Vanessa Emma (Dublin Murders) who is playing Detective Sergeant Layla Walsh. She's joined the team from Exeter, and has been described by Acorn as 'an outsider'. Will she manage to fit in at Chelsea CID?

Vanessa Emme said of her role: "[Layla]is very no-nonsense, has a strong moral compass and says exactly what she thinks. She’s also a very outdoorsy person and has moved to London from Devon. When she’s not working she likes being in the middle of nowhere camping or hiking."

In addition, we also know that Sophie Stone (Shetland) is back as Chief Forensics Officer Ashley Wilton, with Lucy Phelps (Grace) and Peter Bankolé (Peaky Blinders) also back as DC Jess Lombard and DC Connor Pollock, respectively. Plus, Anamaria Marinca (Deadline) is back as Max's ex, Astrid, and Frances Barber (Whitstable Pearl) is reprising the role of Max's aunt, Olivia Arnold.

The Chelsea Detective season 2 also boasts an impressive roaster of guest stars. Expect to see the likes of Neil Morrissey (The Good Karma Hospital), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered), Kevin Eldon (Hot Fuzz) Raquel Cassidy (Downton Abbey), Siân Phillips (I, Claudius) and Pippa Heywood (Magpie Murders) cropping up throughout this new chapter!

Is there a The Chelsea Detective season 2 trailer?

The Chelsea Detective season 2 trailer arrived in mid-August 2023, and it primarily features on the working relationship between our new partners. 

In it, we see Max Arnold and Layla Walsh trying to get to the bottom of some of their new cases, with interrogations, confrontations and a car chase thrown in for good measure! Check it out below:

Cannes Confidential is a brand-new romantic crime drama from Acorn TV set in the South of France, following the tempestuous relationship of detective Camille Delmasse (Clem star Lucie Lucas) and charismatic con artist Harry King (Beyond Paradise's Jamie Bamber).

The series is the first English-language procedural drama set and produced in the Cote d'Azur since the 1970s, and explores the blending of two worlds within the city — the yachts and the international jet set alongside the fishing boats and working-class locals — as shown when Harry breezes unexpectedly into Camille's life.

Here's everything we know about the series so far...

Cannes Confidential release date

Cannes Confidential launches in the UK and the US on Monday, June 26 on Acorn TV with its first two episodes. 

The six-part series will drop two new episodes every Monday, with the last two arriving on Monday, July 10.

Cannes Confidential plot — what's it about?

Created by Chris Murray (Van Der Valk), Cannes Confidential is a high-concept detective series that follows the bickering, banter-filled relationship between detective Camille Delmasse and suave shyster Harry King. 

Despite getting off on entirely the wrong foot, the pair begin solving crimes together on the French Riviera — and their relationship is made even more complicated by Camille's colleague Léa Robert (Profilage star Tamara Marthe) and a mutually beneficial arrangement they made to clear Camille's father, the former Chief of Police, from corruption charges.

Where is Cannes Confidential filmed?

The series was filmed in and around Cannes itself, gaining unprecedented access to film in the city.

Cannes Confidential episode guide

Episode 1 — Death Of A Jester (June 26): While trying to solve the murder of a famous street artist known only as "the Jester", Camille Delmasse and her trusted sidekick Léa Robert keep running into the charming but shady art collector Harry King, and Camille is expecting her father Philippe — the former Chief of Police — to be cleared from corruption charges. But Harry isn't really an art collector, and a surprising revelation about her father leaves Camille reeling — but can Harry help her find out who's responsible for framing Philippe?

Episode 2 — Creatures Of Habit (June 26): When the wife of a casino owner is poisoned to death in front of his friends and assistant, the finger of suspicion points at blacklisted gambler Roxie Roland — but there's no proof. So Harry helps Camille and Léa, because who better to take down a con artist than a fellow con artist? And keeping his side of the deal, Harry identifies the man threatening Camille's father.

Episode 3 — A Clear Conscience (July 3): A monk is found murdered below the Fort Royal on St Marguerite Island outside Cannes — the infamous island that was once the home of the man in the iron mask. Harry's friend Father Placid was a mentor to the dead monk so he assists in the investigation once again, but Léa is growing jealous of the time he and Camille are spending together. Meanwhile, Camille's father's nemesis Julien Boire targets her sister Margaux.

Episode 4 — The Deadlier Species (July 3): Camille and Léa are instructed to babysit arms dealer and billionaire Leo Duval at the Majestic Hotel, as he has been receiving death threats and rumour has it that the legendary assassin Nightshade has been hired to kill him. But Nightshade hasn't been seen for 15 years, so is the killer-for-hire really coming out of retirement? Harry and Camille grow closer as he acts as the guide in trying to stop the assassin.

Episode 5 — Southern Gothic (July 10): The son of famous conductor François Fontaine is found hanged after a séance. The Fontaine family are rumoured to be cursed after the victim's mother died in an asylum — but Camille doesn't believe in ghosts. As she, Léa and Harry pool their efforts to catch the real killer, they must navigate shady mediums and scorned lovers to reveal the truth. Meanwhile, Harry and Camille's attempts to lure Boire into a trap have serious consequences for Léa.

Episode 6 — Love And Let Die (July 10): During the Cannes Film Festival, Camille and Léa investigate the murder of Zina, assistant to famous actress Celeste Badeau — and Léa discovers that Zina's girlfriend is her ex-lover Eloise. Meanwhile, Boire crosses a line by threatening Harry's daughter, and Camille's father is finally about to be released...

Is there a trailer for Cannes Confidential?

There is! Check out a preview of the series below:

Jamie Bamber interview for Cannes Confidential

Midsomer Murders explores backstage rivalries and theatrical tensions in its latest episode, which involves the hunt for a killer who is stalking an operatic society.

The new installment of Midsomer Murders season 22, airing in the UK on Sunday, May 28 at 8pm on ITV1, sees Sarah Barnaby (Fiona Dolman) the headmistress wife of DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon), being asked to perform with the Midsomer Mummers by her former colleague Jeremy Whittingdale, played by Inspector Morse and Lewis star Kevin Whately.

But as the Mummers get ready to put on a production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, a body is discovered in the prop pirate chest and Barnaby and his colleague DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) have to investigate.

What To Watch caught up with Fiona Dolman for a chat to find out more about the new episode of Midsomer Murders…

Midsomer Murders is taking to the stage in this episode! What can you tell us about it?

“The pressure is on to identify the deceased and unmask the killer before they murder again… It was such fun, it might be my favourite one I've done! It has all the ingredients of a classic Midsomer — an amateur operatic society is ripe for murder!” 

Does Sarah enjoy being a Midsomer Mummer?

“She loves it. Normally she's organising things so she likes the freedom and it’s fun to catch up with Jeremy, because they’re friends from way back.”

And was it fun co-starring with Kevin Whately?

“Yes, I’m a huge fan. He liked sitting back and letting someone else detect! We need Neil to go on forever though, so I said to Kevin, ‘Tell him you miss detecting!’ But the joy for Kevin was doing something involving music, that’s his big love.”

What was it like filming at a real theatre — The Mill at Sonning, Berkshire?

“Beautiful — I remember sitting by the river there with the sun setting. Also, because of COVID, it was the first time most of the actors had set foot in a theatre for a while. I cried!”

Are you a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan?

“My father was in amateur dramatics and an operatic society when I was young and he did a lot of Gilbert and Sullivan and I watched rehearsals for The Pirates of Penzance when I was probably about seven or eight, so this was hugely emotional. My dad would have loved it.”

Did you like wearing the amazing outfits in the episode?

“I had this fantastic wig, boots and bloomers and even skull and crossbones earrings! Our costume designer Sue Thomson made it look sumptuous and beautiful. Visually, it's a stunning episode.”

This is Neil’s 50th episode of Midsomer Murders, what do you love about working with him?

“We laugh a lot and we like each other a lot. We have a shorthand now, we feel like a married couple. If you had an egomaniac at the top, it would make for a tricky production but Neil’s the opposite of that. He always wants the guests to take centre stage.”

Do you have any favourite murders from Midsomer?

“We’ve had some corkers! Probably my favourite murder is the one [in 2005] with Oliver Ford Davies, who used to play my uncle in Heartbeat. In Midsomer Murders, he was pinned to the ground and a trebuchet fired bottles of wine at him to kill him, which is inspired. 

“And it was disgusting but I liked the one [in 2011] where they got a machine that shakes trees to get the apples off it and the machine shook someone to death! And then, obviously, poor Martine McCutcheon who got killed by cheese [in 2013]. That’s an absolute classic. And bless her because she was a big name and she was so excited to experience death by cheese!”

And would you like a Sarah Barnaby spin-off?!

“Neil and I talk about it a lot! We’d like to go somewhere near the sea and Barnaby could investigate local crimes — like somebody stealing a garden gnome — meanwhile, something serious is happening and Sarah's dealing with that! But I’d like to stay in Midsomer for as long as possible. If that involves Winter eventually just wheeling Barnaby about, that's fine!”

Midsomer Murders airs on Sunday 28 May at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX. It is available in the US on Acorn TV.

Midsomer Murders is back for a dramatic new episode involving a series of deaths linked to an amateur operatics society.

The latest installment of the long-running crime drama, which is the fifth episode of Midsomer Murders season 22 which began back in 2021, is entitled 'For Death Prepare'. The episode airs on ITV1 in the UK and features a host of guest stars as DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) tackle a baffling new case.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new episode of Midsomer Murders…

Midsomer Murders — what is the release date?

'For Death Prepare' airs in the UK on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 8 pm on ITV1 and will also be available on streaming site ITVX. It is available in the US on Acorn TV.

Midsomer Murders — what is the plot of the episode?

Amateur operatics society the Midsomer Mummers are putting on a charity concert version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance to mark their centenary. 

When a man’s body is discovered buried in a prop pirate chest, however, Barnaby and Winter investigate, but nobody seems to know who the victim is… 

The cops soon unearth bitter tensions, illicit liaisons and worries over the future of the society’s family-run theatre. But as the body count rises, will the show go on?

“This episode is fantastically fun and the story’s based around an opera, so we have some top-notch West End musical stars," reveals Neil Dudgeon.

Midsomer Murders — who is in the cast?

Alongside Neil Dudgeon as Barnaby and Nick Hendrix as Winter, Annette Badland is back as wry pathologist Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman returns as Barnaby’s wife Sarah, who is asked to take part in the performance by her old friend Jeremy Whittingdale, played by Kevin Whately. 

Tessa Wong (The Capture) plays Jeremy’s daughter Phoebe, who has returned from traveling and also appears in the concert.

“Jeremy’s daughter is the apple of his eye and she is trying to form a relationship with him but he isn’t happy with what she is doing with her life,” reveals Inspector Morse and Lewis star Whately, who was thrilled to show off his musical talents and also let someone else play detective.

“I’ve done a lot of musical theatre and I’m a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan. That’s the reason I did this episode, it seemed like great fun all of us having a little sing. But it was also great working with Neil Dudgeon and having a chat with him to compare notes. It can be a lonely job leading a detective series because everyone depends on you so heavily, you almost become a father figure to the whole unit, it is damned hard work!”

Also in the cast are Samantha Spiro (Sex Education, Inside No 9) as Phyllis Fernsby, the director of the Mummers, whose upper-crust family also owns the theatre where the concert is being performed. Jane Bertish (This England) plays her imperious aunt Lady Katisha Empson.

Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies, My Name is Leon) also appears as down-trodden stage manager Shalia Handsworth, whose husband Graham, played by David Rubin (Vera, Doctor Who), makes her life difficult.

Alexander Hanson (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan) plays publican Marcus Dunlow, who takes to the stage as the Pirate King, while Jenna Russell (EastEnders, Born and Bred) plays his wife Faith and Dylan Wood (Casualty, Sister Boniface Mysteries) plays their son, Luke.

Musical theatre star Clive Rowe (The Evermoor Chronicles) plays shy stagehand Derek Sharrow, while Rajat M Bose (Emmerdale) is shady doctor Simon Charteris.

Midsomer Murders — what else do we know?

The episode marks the 50th outing for Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby and the actor received a big surprise on set.

“I didn’t realise it was my 50th episode until I arrived on location and there was a crowd of people. On a table was a cake with Barnaby, Sarah, Betty [the Barnabys’ daughter] and Paddy [their dog] made of icing. And standing with a knife in his hand was the great Kevin Whately!” he says. 

“As an actor, a job that lasts more than three months is long. To have done Midsomer for so many years and 50+ episodes is unbelievable. But I’d have been lost without Fiona and my three brilliant Sergeants. I’ve been blessed.”

Is there a trailer for Midsomer Murders episode 'For Death Prepare'?

No, sadly ITV hasn't released a trailer, but if one arrives we will add it to this guide. 

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3 has now finished airing in the UK, and is coming to Acorn TV very soon!

On May 23, 2023, it was confirmed that The Madame Blanc Mysteries had been recommissioned for a third full season, and we were looking forward to seeing Jean White try to solve another set of mysteries and murders in Sainte Victoire ever since.

Creator and star Sally Lindsay said of the show's renewal: "I am truly humbled by the love for our show and can't wait to give you lots more adventures".

Jean's tackled all manner of cases so far this series, including the death of a scuba-diving scientist, a bus stop shooting, and the kidnapping of one of Jean's close friends.

Here's everything you need to know about The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3. 

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3: how to watch and release date

Following on from the 2023 Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special, The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3 starts airing on Channel 5 on Thursday, January 4 at 9 pm. New episodes are airing on a weekly basis, with the penultimate fifth episode set to air on Thursday, February 1 at 9 pm.

The international release date on Acorn TV has finally been confirmed, too. The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3 is getting a two-episode premiere on Monday, February 19, whilst the rest of the series will continue to drop new episodes on a weekly basis.

How many episodes of The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3 were there?

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3 ran for six episodes; the recent Christmas special wasn't counted as part of that amount.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3 cast 

Naturally, you can't have The Madame Blanc Mysteries without Jean White herself, and Sally Lindsay returned as the expert antique dealer turned mystery-solver for the third time.

In addition, Steve Edge returned as local taxi driver Dom Hayes, along with Sue Holderness and Robin Askwith as wealthy bon-vivants Judith and Jeremy Lloyd James, co-writer Sue Vincent as mechanic Gloria Beauchamp, and Alex Gaumond as Police Chief André Caron.

Tony Robinson also returned to the series in a recurring role as Dom's light-fingered Uncle Patrick, who first appeared in the 2022 Christmas special, and Paul Chuckle made a comeback for another episode as Gloria's Uncle Trevor. Also back for multiple episodes were Jacqueline Berces as Gendarme Richard, Avant Strangel as Gloria's boyfriend Cooper, Sanchia McCormack as Jean's business partner Charlie, and Djinda Kane as Charlie's wife Simone.

Other guest stars in the third series included Lisa Faulkner, Julie Graham, Karen Bryson, Lisa Maxwell, Ellen Thomas and Sanjeev Kohli.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3 episode guide

Episode 1 (January 5, 2024): While a group of marine biologists are diving near Sainte Victoire, one of them, Gary, discovers a rare coin and pockets it. However, his good fortune is short-lived when he suffers a cardiac arrest in the water and dies. After showing Jean the treasure, Caron enlists her help to investigate what happened to Gary — were the scientists really checking the seabed for minerals, or did they have an ulterior motive? To help crack the case, Jean gets Dom to pose as a numismatist — an expert who authenticates coins for commercial purposes. Meanwhile, Gloria is fed up with her Uncle Trevor's antics and asks him to leave. He seeks refuge at the chateau with Judith and Jeremy, but quickly wears out his welcome there too...

Episode 2 (January 11, 2024): Early one morning in Sainte Victoire, Gloria's dog Douglas discovers a lifeless body with a fencing foil protruding from his chest, and in possession of an extremely rare, diamond-encrusted cufflink. Jean thinks the foil could be a 19th-century épée de combat and keenly scrutinises it for clues. The victim turns out to be George Allaire, a former big-time gangster now more known for petty thievery — and the case is connected to the last-ever duel to take place in Sainte Victoire. Meanwhile, Dom makes a surprising discovery about local bar La Couronne...

Episode 3 (January 18, 2024): When a woman is shot at the bus stop across the road from La Couronne, Caron is surprised to see her holding a shopping bag from Jean and Charlie's shop. The victim, Belinda, recently bought a Dickens first edition from Charlie, and was the nanny to a single father's young daughter. When a rare books specialist who previously owned the Dickens that Belinda bought comes forward, will she be able to shed some light on Belinda's tragic death? Meanwhile, Dom's Uncle Patrick returns to Sainte Victoire, and may be just the man that Judith and Jeremy need...

Episode 4 (January 25, 2024): Judith has invited fashion designer Violet Oliver (Lisa Faulkner) to showcase her latest collection at the chateau, but the fashion show takes an unexpected turn when the event is plunged into darkness and Violet takes a terrifying tumble from the balcony. Against all odds, she survives the fall, and Jean embarks on a mission to discover who tried to push Violet to her death. Elsewhere, Charlie gets a sense of déjà vu when Gloria's boyfriend Cooper visits the antique shop. 

Episode 5 (February 1, 2024): Judith's birthday celebrations take an unexpected turn when Jeremy arranges a surprise dinner at one of Sainte Victoire's finest restaurants, attended by Jean, Dom, and two of her oldest friends, sisters Nancy (Lisa Maxwell) and Delphine (Julie Graham). When Nancy leaves to go to the bathroom during the meal, Jeremy's phone pings with a menacing message revealing Nancy has been tied up and held to ransom! Jean and Dom get the search underway to find out where Nancy has been taken — but can they find her before it's too late?

Episode 6 (February 8, 2024): In 1995, Patrick was involved in a card game at La Couronne with gangster Sonny Montario (Sanjeev Kohli) where Sonny won a clue to untold riches hidden somewhere in the village — but when it turned out to be a poem, he became angry and struck out at fellow player Gabriella, who died. Patrick was responsible for identifying Sonny in a police line-up, and when he discovers that Sonny is about to be released from prison and is coming to Sainte Victoire to claim his prize, he's worried that his life is in danger. Jean and Dom set out to decode the poem and find the hidden treasure to save Patrick's life, but while Jean throws herself into the mystery, Dom's distracted by a health worry...

Is there a Madame Blanc Mysteries season 3 trailer?

Now that Acorn TV has confirmed the series' release date, the streaming service has released a full trailer for the series, which you can find below: 

Dalgliesh is back for season 2 and we'll be seeing some familiar faces popping up as the beloved crime drama series returns.

This time, titular detective Dalgliesh is contemplating whether to give up policing to pursue a career as a poet. But he is soon tasked with overseeing three tricky and very different investigations which must take priority.

In Dalgliesh season 2, we follow the DCI alongside two main characters, DS Kate Miskin and DS Daniel Tarrant who actor Bertie Carvel has revealed are key figures for Dalgliesh this season.

Speaking to What to Watch, he revealed:  “Dalgliesh sees potential in Miskin and he’d be pleased for someone like her to take his place if he were to step aside. And now he’s also got Tarrant, so there's an element of watching how other people do things."

Here's everything you need to know about the Dalgliesh season 2 cast...

Dalgliesh season 2 cast: Who's who?

Bertie Carvel as DCI Adam Dalgliesh

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh is a complicated protagonist. He's a widower and reluctant to commit to anyone else, and he's also finding himself torn between what career he wants to choose, and considering whether he should go into writing instead.

Bertie Carvel is best known for his villainous role as cheating husband Simon in Doctor Foster, Tony Blair in The Crown, and appeared in the film adaptation of Les Misérables.

Carlyss Peer as DS Kate Miskin

DS Kate Miskin is Dalgliesh's work partner and the two are growing closer, with a possibility that Kate is starting to develop romantic feelings for her colleague.

Carlyss Peer recently appeared in Beyond Paradise. She has also had roles in Doctors, Viewpoint, and Holby City.

Alistair Brammer as DS Daniel Tarrant

DS Daniel Tarrant joins Dalgliesh and Miskin in episode 3 and becomes a core part of season 2. Not much is known about his character at the moment so we'll have to wait to find out how he adjusts to his new role.

As well as starring in Casualty, actor Alistair Brammer is most well known for his stage work appearing in shows such as War Horse and Miss Saigon.

Dalgliesh season 2: who are the guest stars?

• Dominic Rowan (Law and Order: UK) as Dr. Edmund Lorrimer, a senior forensic biologist
• Sam Hoare (Grace) as Maximillian Howarth, the director of the laboratory 
• Margaret Clunie (Victoria) as Domenica Howarth, Maximillian's sister
• Richard Harrington (Hinterland) as Dr. David Rollinson, a forensic biologist 
• Stuart Graham (The Fall) as DI Doyle
• Alyth Ross (Last Light) as Brenda Pridmore, the clerical officer at the laboratory
• Carolina Main (Unforgotten) as Angela Foley, Maximillian's secretary and also Edmund's cousin
• Shanaya Rafaat (EastEnders) as Stella Mawson, Angela's partner
• Francis Mezza (Derry Girls) as DC Mercer
• Conor Hinds (The Innocent) as DC Carling

In the US, the first two-part case aired on Monday, April 24 on Acorn TV. The subsequent cases will drop on the following two Mondays. 

In the UK, the first episode of the opening two-part case airs on Thursday, April 27 at 9 pm on Channel 5 and continues on Friday, April 28 at 9 pm. 

Dalgliesh is back for a second run of 1970s-set whodunnits, based once more on PD James’ acclaimed novels.

Following the success of Dalgliesh season 1, the six-part drama sees Bertie Carvel (Doctor Foster, The Crown) reprise his role as dedicated, widowed detective and part-time poet DCI Adam Dalgliesh, who has another batch of complex and twisty new cases to crack. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Dalgliesh season 2…

Dalgliesh season 2 —  what is the release date?

In the US, the first two-part case aired on Monday, April 24 on Acorn TV. The subsequent cases will drop on the following two Mondays. 

In the UK, the first episode of the opening two-part case airs on Thursday, April 27 at 9 pm on Channel 5 and continues on Friday, April 28 at 9 pm. 

It will air weekly in the same format and episodes will also be available on the streaming site My5. 

Dalgliesh season 2 — episode guide

This time around, Dalgliesh, who lost his wife and baby before the first season started, is contemplating whether to give up policing to pursue his career as a poet, but he is also called on to oversee three tricky and very different investigations:

Episodes One and Two: Death of an Expert Witness

After a young woman’s body is found in a quarry, one of the forensic team working on the case is murdered and sinister secrets emerge. 

“Dalgliesh is going back to the county of his birth [Norfolk] and he’s thinking about where he came from,” Bertie Carvel tells WhattoWatch.com. “But at the heart of this story is a family. Will it be destroyed in the name of justice?”

Episodes Three and Four: A Certain Justice

The killing of a London barrister who recently helped a suspected murderer uncovers bitter tensions in the legal world. 

“There's something about the law that’s interesting,” reveals Bertie Carvel. “The upper social strata feel that they can control and dominate the police, but they're threatened by Dalgliesh. There’s a climactic scene I enjoyed!”

Episodes Five and Six: The Murder Room

A murder takes place in the grounds of a museum dedicated to the macabre crimes of the past, and the body count quickly rises. 

“It all centres around a privately-owned museum on the edge of Hampstead Heath,” explains Bertie Carvel. “But some gruesome killings seem to mimic the famous murder cases on display in the exhibition…”

Dalgliesh season 2 — who is in the cast?

Alongside Bertie Carvel as Dalgliesh, Carlyss Peer (Holby City, Beyond Paradise) reprises her role as his trusty sidekick DS Kate Miskin. Alistair Brammer (Casualty) also joins the cast later in the series as DS Daniel Tarrant.

Guest stars to look out for include Richard Harrington (Casualty, Hinterland) and Deborah Findlay (The Split) in episodes one and two. 

In episodes three and four Daisy Waterstone (The Durrells) and Michael Maloney (Magpie Murders, All Creatures Great and Small) appear. 

And in episodes five and six, Sorcha Cusack (Father Brown), Sylvestra Le Touzel (Intelligence) and Richard Goulding (The Windsors) feature.

Dalgliesh season 2 — interview with Bertie Carvel

Where do we find Dalgliesh?

“In the first episode, Blanche [his literary agent, played by Debbie Chazen] says, ‘Your poetry is taking off, why don't you give up your day job?’ Inside him, a voice goes, ‘Why not? What am I doing as a policeman?’ This series is about confronting that question. Each day he's looking at pain, death and dysfunction. Part of him’s energized by that and part of him is depressed.”

How does he feel about the cases he is tackling this time? 

“One of the things that's delicious is that each story is distinct. Dalgliesh’s magic trick as a policeman is to be ‘boundaried’, but inside he's emotionally porous. He finds things that feel personal. And he can’t help the bloodhound in him getting excited and angry about the righteous pursuit of the truth.”

What is the dynamic like with Dalgliesh, Miskin and Tarrant?

“Dalgliesh sees potential in Miskin and he’d be pleased for someone like her to take his place if he were to step aside. And now he’s also got Tarrant, so there's an element of watching how other people do things.” 

But it looks like Miskin is developing feelings for Dalgliesh…

“That was a fun arc to play! Increasingly, Dalgliesh is aware of an emotional connection but he wants to be professional and guard himself against intimacy. He seeks out loneliness, yet there’s a thirst for companionship. He controls things with Miskin, but not callously, with sensitivity.” 

Do you enjoy working with Carlyss Peer?

“I can't speak highly enough of her. It’s easy when you have actors you can play off, who you feel are alert to the nuances of what you're doing because then the scenes feel pregnant with significance. It's a joy to play that and it’s fun working together.”

Dalgliesh season 2 — is there a trailer?

Yes, in the action-packed teaser, we see Dalgliesh, Miskin and Tarrant deal with a variety of shifty suspects during their quest for justice...

Irish mystery thriller Harry Wild Investigates stars Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour as Harriet 'Harry' Wild, a recently retired university professor who discovers she has a knack for solving crimes. She's also quite foul-mouthed and a whiskey-loving drinker!

The eight-part first season of the drama follows Harry as she finds herself at a crossroads after she becomes a victim of a mugging and decides to recover at the home of her police detective son, Charlie (Kevin Ryan). But once under Charlie’s roof, Harry soon starts interfering in his latest murder investigation. Especially when she hooks up again with her mugger Fergus (Rohan Nedd) and they forge a bond that involves this oddly matched pair sleuthing together.

"From the first moment I read the script, I fell in love with Harry Wild,' says former Bond girl Jane. 'I’ve loved stepping into the role of this very curious and passionate retired professor.'

So here’s everything you need to know about the Irish crime thriller Harry Wild Investigates on Channel 5 and Acorn TV…

Harry Wild Investigates release date

The eight-part mystery series Harry Wild Investigates launches on Channel 5 on Saturday February 25 at 8pm with episodes running weekly at the same time.

While this show is new on Channel 5 for 2023, Harry Wild Investigates perviously launched worldwide on Acorn TV on Monday April 4 2022 with the first two episodes shown in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Spain and Portugal.

To sign up for Acorn TV, visit www.acorn.tv or download the Acorn TV app on your favourite device to start your 30 day free trial.

Is there a Harry Wild Investigates trailer?

Yes, a Harry Wild Investigates trailer has arrived, starting with everyone raising the glass to Harry! Take a peek below...

What is the plot of Harry Wild Investigates?

The plot revolves around Harriet 'Harry' Wild, a retired English literature professor, who’s recovering in her son Charlie’s house, following a mugging. Charlie happens to be a senior police detective, who’s struggling with a particularly baffling murder case — and Harry can’t resist getting involved when she notices the murderer has followed a pattern from an obscure Elizabethan play. When her path crosses that of her mugger, Fergus Reid, Harry sees great potential in the troubled teen and, instead of turning him in, enlists him as her sidekick. Following her successful, albeit ill-advised, involvement in the case, Harry discovers a new lust for life.
Harry and Fergus quickly find new mysteries, including ones that involve a fledgling serial killer with a Dostoevsky fixation, gamblers running snuff games, and a wealthy Dublin matriarch strangled during a video call. Harry’s new passion brings her into direct conflict with Charlie, who could really do without his mother causing trouble at work. When Harry successfully catches the killer, Harry discovers a new passion for crime-solving. But it soon brings her into direct conflict with Charlie, who isn’t exactly thrilled about his supersleuth mother causing trouble for him at work.

Harry Wild Investigates cast — Jane Seymour on playing Harry Wild

Lead Harry Wild Investigates actress Jane Seymour told us: " I love everything about Harry! Age and gender mean nothing to her. She’s raised a kid, who’s now a grown man, on her own. She uses her knowledge of literature and history to investigate crime, and is not afraid to chase down murderers!

"It’s a wonderful relationship she has with Fergus who is from the other side of the tracks, and knows all the bad guys, because his dad's one. She's teaching him English and getting him through his GCSEs – or whatever they're called in Ireland!"

"It’s a wonderful relationship she has with Fergus who is from the other side of the tracks, and knows all the bad guys, because his dad's one. She's teaching him English and getting him through his GCSEs – or whatever they're called in Ireland!982) and Wedding Crashers (2005). 

In 1981 she found critical acclaim in East of Eden, but her best-known TV role is as Dr. Michaela ‘Mike’ Quinn in the 1990s hit Western series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, which won her a Golden Globe. She’s also recently starred as Madelyn in the American comedy-drama The Kominsky Method.

Harry Wild Investigates cast — who else is starring

Harry's police detective son Charlie is played by Kevin Ryan (Guilt, Copper). Her mugger Fergus Reid is played by Rohan Nedd (Whitstable Pearl). Stuart Graham (The Fall, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Amy Huberman (Finding Joy, Striking Out) also co-star.

Harry Wild Investigates — behind-the-scenes news

As well as taking the lead role in Harry Wild, Jane Seymour will also act as co-executive producer, while the series is created and co-written by David Logan (Lost Christmas). Other producers include Daniel March (Van Helsing), Klaus Zimmerman (Trapped), Morgan O’Sullivan (The Tudors) and James Flynn (Vikings). Brothers Ronan and Robert Burke (Red Rock) will direct.

'We are thrilled that the amazing Jane Seymour will be bringing the foul-mouthed, cigarette smoking, whiskey drinking character of Harry Wild to life,' said both March and Zimmermann.

‘Harry Wild’ is the latest series of Acorn TV’s growing staple of mystery dramas led by strong female investigators – a category that has long resonated with our audiences,' says Catherine Mackin, managing director of Acorn Media Enterprises which is also launching Whitstable Pearl about an amateur sleuth/restaurateur from Kent on Acorn TV on May 28.

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The Catch will likely give you nightmares! This four-part thriller follows a fisherman whose family life seems to spiral out of control when his daughter goes out with a shady new boyfriend. It also has a wonderful cast that includes Jason Watkins, Aneurin Barnard, Poppy Gilbert, Cathy Belton and Brenda Fricker.

Set against the hauntingly beautiful coastline of the south-west of England, this suspense-driven drama revolves around the themes of toxic masculinity and grief. The emotional complex story raises the pertinent moral questions; should we be judged by the actions of our distant past and at what point do we have to stop blaming other people for the life we’ve led?

Des star Jason Watkins says: "I’ve always loved thrillers on-screen and The Catch has all the ingredients to keep audiences hooked. Three-dimensional characters, a family unit under stress, with a tragedy at the heart — all brilliantly framed in the thriller genre.

"I’m always looking for parts I may not have played before and Ed is a person in extremis, trying to do what’s best. Failing and succeeding in equal measure. It’s great to play a character so buffeted by events."

Based on the novel The Catch by bestselling author T.M. Logan, here's everything you need to know about The Catch...

The Catch release date

The Catch is a four-part thriller that will run on Acorn TV from January 27 2025. It first launched on Channel 5 on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 9 pm. Subsequent episodes run every Wednesday at the same time on Channel 5. All episodes became available on demand via My5. 

Is there a trailer for The Catch?

The Catch trailer begins with a boat in open water and Aneurin Barnard talking about any dark family secrets to be avoided! Take a look below 

The Catch plot and episode guide

Here's the main plot and episode guide for The Catch. Please do look away if you want to avoid spoilers...

Episode 1
In The Catch, Ed Collier, played by Jason Watkins, is a proud husband, father and local fisherman who becomes determined to do whatever it takes to keep his family together. But when rich, handsome younger man Ryan Wilson (Aneurin Barnard) (Peaky Blinders, Time, The Goldfinch, Dunkirk), enters the life of his daughter Abbie Collier, Poppy Gilbert (Chloe, Stay Close, Leonardo, Perfect Addiction) and threatens to take her away from him, Ed finds his life spiraling out of control. A dark secret from Ed’s past returns to haunt him, he risks losing everything he’s worked so hard to achieve. As his determination to solve the mystery veers dangerously into obsession, the stage is set for a chilling climax leaving both Ed and Ryan’s lives hanging in the balance...

Episode 2
The thriller continues with Ed still reeling after discovering the word ‘killer’ painted on the deck plus a photo of him and his former navy comrades. Bob tells him he saw George heading to the boat on CCTV — so could George be behind the sabotage? Meanwhile, Ed helps Abbie move in with her suspicious boyfriend Ryan. Ed’s wife Claire discovers that Ed’s still secretly investigating Ryan and snaps at Ed. Is their marriage isn trouble?

Episode 3
In the penultimate episode, and it appears that Abbie’s ex, George (Morgan Palmeria), has been stalking her. While not everything is as it seems in this psychological drama, we did think it a bit suspicious that George’s phone screen-saver was a picture of Abbie (Poppy Gilbert), even though they’d broken up months ago… But as events unfold, it’s Ed (Jason Watkins) who is under suspicion – whoever is framing him has upped their game considerably, forcing Ed to take drastic action. 

Episode 4
The net is closing in on frantic fisherman Ed Collier as the gripping thriller comes to an end. On the run from the police and rejected by his family, Ed is desperate to find out who wants to frame him for murder and why, so he finally comes clean about his past to his estranged wife Claire. Can he save his marriage while his life falls apart? He needs hard evidence to clear his name, however, and it’s only when Ed’s private investigator agrees to help that he gets answers, leading to a terrifying showdown with his nemesis…

The Catch cast — Jason Watkins plays Ed Collier

Leading the cast of The Catch is Jason Watkins as Ed Collier. BAFTA-winner Jason is probably best known for his drama roles in The Trick, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, Des, Being Human and W1A. Jason also played former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson in season  4 of Netflix drama The Crown and Mr Humphries in the BBC's revival of Are You Being Served?.

Interview: Jason Watkins on playing Ed Collier

What can you tell us about Ed Collier?
Jason says: "Ed is trying to be a good parent, but he’s a man in extremis. His business is in a critical state and he’s under a lot of financial pressure. If there’s no fish, there’s no money; it’s pretty simple. He also doesn’t want his daughter to be with the wrong person. Ryan is a bit flash and he’s not a local, so Ed feels challenged by him." 

The Colliers are also grieving for their son, Josh, who died in a boating accident 15 years ago…
"Yes, they’ve lost a child, which has happened to my family, so that drew me to Ed. It does make one more protective of one’s children, and while Ed understands that he needs to let his daughter go, how can he when he’s lost one child and now he sees his daughter falling in love with someone he mistrusts?" 

That must have brought up some painful memories for you?
"I had some slight trepidation but everyone, particularly Cathy, was brilliant at understanding that I would go through things that might be close to the bone during filming. I try not to shy away from these things, though. If it’s a well-written piece, like this, then I’m happy to do it, because illuminating the extreme instances of what life can throw up and being able to share that is a bit of a privilege." 

Is Ed driven by grief, do you think?
"There’s a lot of turmoil beneath the surface of anyone who’s had this sort of trauma and he’s tested all the way. When people hit a crisis in their lives, it’s often a combination of issues. You can deal with one problem, but when you have several, that’s when people struggle."  

How does his obsession with Ryan affect his family?
"Ed’s on a journey with Claire because he has a secret which he has never shared with her, and he fears being honest will destroy her. He’s perceived as being closed off because he’s also bottling up all his feelings about Josh. No wonder Claire is frustrated, and their marriage is really in trouble."

Did you find your sea legs while playing a fisherman?
"I filmed an ITV comedy about river police called Duck Patrol about 25 years ago, so I did get to drive a boat then. But I loved going out to sea and I was allowed to pilot the boat. There are shots of us sailing in and out of the harbour, swinging around, accelerating, and that’s all me. I loved every second!"

You’ve played an extensive array of characters, from British PM Harold Wilson in The Crown to a serial killer’s biographer in ITV drama Des. What’s next?
"Well, I have been working my way through the Prime Ministers – I popped up in BBC1’s SAS: Rogue Heroes as Winston Churchill – so maybe I could do a few more of those and get to Liz Truss. That’d be interesting!"

Interview: Aneurin Barnard on playing Ryan Wilson

Aneurin Barnard, who plays wealthy Ryan Wilson, in The Catch. Here he tells us much more...

What’s your take on Ryan?
"Ryan is an outsider, who has served in the military in Afghanistan and he’s lost both his parents, so there is common ground between Ryan and the Colliers as he’s also experienced irreplaceable loss. I find there are a lot of similarities between Ryan and Ed, too – they both have flaws, but great strengths."

Is Ed right to be suspicious of him?
"I love messing with an audience’s perception of what they think they know and there’s a lot of discovering to do, good and bad. It’ll be interesting to see which route you take as a viewer, and who you trust and when. I see Ed as a man who’s in the grip of mental health turmoil. This has a ripple effect on everyone around him and the reactions are fascinating." 

What’s it like playing someone so mysterious?
"It’s a gift as a storyteller. Ryan’s journey is extremely delicate, but I love dancing on the edge of that stuff. I’m not a crazy method actor, but I played melancholic 1960s/70s music to get into character, then listened to rock bands like Rage Against the Machine for what’s going on with him underneath the surface." 

Have you met a dad like Ed when meeting a family for the first time? 
"I’ve been in the shoes of a new boyfriend meeting a dad and have witnessed a mum urging him to ‘give the boy a chance’. Dads often forget that once upon a time they were also that guy stepping through the door!

* Aneurin is a Welsh actor and singer who in 2021 played the murder victim in BBC1 drama The Pact. He's also starred as King Richard III in The White Queen, movies The Goldfinch and Dunkirk, plus top TV dramas such as Peaky Blinders and Time. He played world-famous photographer David Bailey in the BBC drama We'll Take Manhattan and was Bobby Willis, the husband of Cilla Black, in the ITV drama Cilla alongside Sheridan Smith as the famous 1960s singer. Aneurin is also a singer and had the lead role in the West End production of hit musical Spring Awakening and starred in the musical film Hunky Dory.

Poppy Gilbert as Abbie Collier

Poppy Gilbert plays Ed Collier's daughter Abbie in The Catch. Poppy has previously starred in BBC1 drama Chloe, Netflix drama Stay Close, Prime VIdeo's Leonardo.

Who else is starring in The Catch?

Among The Catch cast, look out for Casualty and My Left Foot legend Brenda Fricker is playing Ed’s mother-in-law Phyllis Doyle, while Cathy Belton (Hidden Assets, Miss Scarlet & The Duke, A Little Chaos, Philomena) is Ed’s wife Claire Collier. Ed’s best friend and business partner, Bob Chapman, will be played by Ian Pirie (Halo, Chernobyl), while Jade Jordan (Redemption) plays Abbie’s best friend Katz and newcomer Morgan Palmeria is smitten lifeguard George. 

Behind the scenes on The Catch

The Catch is filming over the summer of 2022 and the series is produced by Projector Pictures, in association with Night Train Media and All3Media International. The Catch has been adapted for the screen by Michael Crompton (The Holiday, Silent Witness, Safe House, Kidnap and Ransom) with Robert Quinn (McDonald & Dodds, The Bay, Ackley Bridge) as director. Rachel Gesua and Suzi McIntosh and Trevor Eve are executive producing for Projector Pictures, and Herbert L. Kloiber and Olivia Pahl are executive producing for Night Train Media. The series was ordered by Paul Testar, Commissioning Executive, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+.

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Fans of The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 2 are convinced that super sleuth Jean White and her taxi-driver sidekick Dom Hayes belong together. 

But, so far, their lane to love in the sun-dappled Channel 5 drama has been littered with complex crimes, mystifying murders and an unintentional betrayal when Dom (played by Steve Edge) jeopardized one of Jean’s investigations.

In the season two finale, however, the pair grow close again when antiques expert Jean (Sally Lindsay, who writes the show with co-star Sue Vincent, AKA mechanic Gloria Beauchamp) tries to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of a local perfumer.

Time is of the essence, as Dom’s driver rival Cooper (Avant Strangel) is in the frame for the robbery-gone-wrong. Meanwhile, duplicitous Barbara (Olivia Caffrey) — who was unmasked as the other Mrs White in season one — is busy plotting revenge on our heroine.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Steve Edge gives What To Watch the inside story…

Steve Edge interview for The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 2 finale

Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 3 — Update 23/05/2023:

It's just been announced that Madame Blanc Mysteries has been renewed for a third series.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 2 finale airs on Thursday, February 9 2023 at 9pm on Channel 5. 

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 2 is on its way to our screens, including a Christmas special! 

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 1 saw Jean White (Sally Lindsay) learning of her husband's death in a car crash on his way back from an antique-buying trip to the picturesque village of Sainte Victoire in the south of France, followed by the revelation that his shady financial dealings had left her penniless. 

Despite a fear of traveling and an inability to speak French, Jean set off to Sainte Victoire to investigate the mystery of her husband's death, and found herself a new home in the local community, using her antiques expertise to help local police chief Caron (Alex Gaumond) investigate crimes.

The first season ended with Jean confronting estate agent Barbara — who she had identified as "the other Mrs White" who had been having an affair with her husband — and narrowly escaping with her life. Jean's determined to make a new start in Sainte Victoire, but is her late husband's duplicity still set to cause chaos?

Here's everything we know about the new series...

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 2 and Christmas special start date

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special airs on Thursday, December 22 at 9pm on Channel 5 in the UK. Season 2 begins on Thursday, January 5 at 9pm on Channel 5.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries airs internationally on Acorn TV. The Christmas Special will be available on Acorn TV in late December, and season 2 will be released in 2023.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 2 cast

All of the Saint Victoire regulars are back for season 2: creator and co-writer Sally Lindsay returns as Jean White, with her co-writer Sue Vincent playing local mechanic Gloria. Steve Edge is back as Dom, local taxi driver and Jean's close confidant, and Sue Holderness and Robin Askwith return as wealthy expats Judith and Jeremy Lloyd James.

Other returning cast members include Alex Gaumond as police chief Caron, Aonghus Weber as local publican Niall, Margeaux Lampley as his wife Celine, a former Eurovision contestant, Olivia Caffrey as the duplicitous Barbara, Sanchia McCormack as Jean's fellow antique expert Charlie Brodeur, and Djinda Kane as Charlie's wife Simone.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 2 guest cast

An assortment of stars will be joining Jean and the gang in Sainte Victoire for season two, including:

- Tony Robinson (Blackadder)
- Lee Boardman (Enola Holmes 2)
- Jennifer James (Coronation Street)
- Julia Montgomery Brown (London Has Fallen) - returning guest from season one
- Clelia Murphy (Fair City) - returning guest from season one
- Harriet Thorpe (Absolutely Fabulous)
- Les Dennis (Coronation Street)
- David Ames (Holby City)
- Alexander Newland (Leopoldstadt)
- Paul Chuckle (ChuckleVision) - returning guest from season one
- Clive Russell (Code 404)
- Jacqueline Boatswain (Carnival Row)

Is there a trailer for The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special?

Yes! And as you can see from the clip below, there is plenty of 'merriment, mistletoe and murder' coming up in the Christmas special... 

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special plot

It's Christmas in Sainte Victoire, Jean is looking forward to spending it with her new friends, and Dom's Uncle Patrick is coming to stay. But there's trouble brewing...

Chief of Police Andre Caron's wife is brutally murdered, and the finger is pointing squarely at him. The investigator on the case, Inspector Gauthier, holds a personal grudge and is intent on bringing Caron down. Caron begs Jean to clear his name, and she is quickly pulled into the world of international art dealing, where all is not what it seems. Can Jean persuade Inspector Gauthier that Caron is innocent and bring the real murderer to justice?

Meanwhile, Dom's Uncle Patrick and his grandson Archie are visiting for Christmas, and Jeremy and Judith are staging a Christmas Grotto to raise money for the Sainte Victoire Theatre.

Uncle Patrick is a reformed career thief, but he quickly finds the inhabitants of Sainte Victoire have plenty to tempt him back to his old ways! Locals' wallets go missing, and everyone in La Couronne is too distracted by Jeremy and Judith's disastrous grotto to notice Uncle Patrick steal Celine's precious music box — the last memory she has of her father.

Frustrated by their failed Christmas Grotto, Jeremy and Judith are persuaded by Gloria to run a Secret Santa to raise money for the theatre instead. Everyone will exchange presents in La Couronne on Christmas Eve!

When Dom accidentally tells Archie about his grandfather's past in jail, Archie is shocked — even more so when he discovers that Uncle Patrick has stolen the music box. Can Archie help him back on the right path in time for Christmas?

The Madame Blanc Mysteries season 2 episode guide

Episode 1: [December 22 2022] Christmas Special

Episode 2: [January 5 2023] Jean and Charlie are preparing to open their new antiques shop, but the celebration is interrupted by the news that Jeremy has been taken to the police station. The body of a young woman was found on the deck of his and Judith's cabin cruiser. Worried that Jeremy was having an affair and has murdered his mistress, Judith begs Jean for help. The only clue is a Victorian comb that was in the dead woman's pocket. Can Jean identify the victim and get Jeremy back into Judith's good books?

Episode 3: [January 12] Jean takes centre stage to uncover a deadly family drama when tragedy strikes twice in Sainte Victoire. Jeremy and Judith are attending a wake at La Couronne for Anna Dumonet, a leading light in the Saint Victoire theatre. Jeremy introduces Jean to Anna's daughter Vivienne, a local antiques dealer. Vivienne appears at Jean's antiques shop the next day to ask for her help, as she has discovered that Anna was not her real mother. Her mother was in fact Genevieve Harris, an actress who was killed in 1974, and she wants to know how it happened. Anna left Vivienne a ring, which Jean quickly identifies as a poison ring with a secret compartment. Jean agrees to help Vivienne, but quickly finds that solving a murder case that's 50 years old is not easy...

Episode 4: [January 19] Jean and Dom assist Caron in solving a murder in a beautiful but remote country mansion. Robert Coste lives in the house with his devoted housekeeper and his troublesome son. He recently sold the house to Jeremy and Judith, and is moving to Paris. As Jeremy and Judith arrive to start refurbishing their new investment, a gunshot rings out. Judith rushes into the house and is horrified to find Robert shot at his kitchen table, clasping a unique key. Did someone not want him to leave? And why did he ask his glamorous neighbour Flora to sign his new will only the night before?

Episode 5 [January 26] For the first time, Jean has friends from England visiting Sainte Victoire — fellow antique dealer David (Les Dennis) and his new husband George (David Ames) are on their honeymoon, but all is not going well for the happy couple! They seem to have someone on their trail intent on making it a very short trip, and one of their wedding presents was a mysterious pack of cards, which Charlie reveals are very old, very valuable — and very cursed! Jean doesn't believe in curses, but can she figure out why the pair are experiencing such misfortune?

Episode 6 [February 2]: Jeremy's old rock and roll friend Dura is staying at the Chateau's Millhouse to record his comeback album, and Jeremy has locked him in and left him to work alone. But while Dura's wife, Mandarina, and sound engineer Marco are outside in the sound van, they hear a scream — and when Jeremy, Marco and Mandarina break into the studio, they find Dura lying dead with a head injury and a strange symbol drawn on his face. But how could he have been murdered in a locked room all by himself? Caron can't make sense of it, and calls in Jean to help...

Episode 7 [February 9]: Something smells suspicious in Sainte Victoire in the season finale when perfumier Raffy Ozanne is found dead in his shop after a robbery. As well as the missing takings, an antique perfume bottle has also been taken, so Caron enlists Jean once again to find the murderer. But there's a shock for Gloria when Cooper is arrested — could he be the killer, or is it a case of mistaken identity?

Sally Lindsay interview for The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special

Whitstable Pearl Season 2 has arrived on Acorn TV and it's hardly a surprise given the popularity of the first season. The Kent-set crime show, based on the much-loved novels The Whitstable Pearl Mysteries by Julie Wassmer, was a stunning success across the world and left fans clamouring for more. We're also delighted that the three main cast members — Kerry Godliman, Howard Charles and Frances Barber — are also all returning.

If, like us, you’ve binge-watched the six-episode boxset of The Whitstable Pearl Season 1 on Acorn TV and now need your next fill of Kerry Godliman’s amateur sleuth Pearl and co, you can now enjoy another series of investigations. 

Julie Wassmer says: “Knowing how well Whitstable Pearl has been received across so many territories, I’m sure viewers will be as excited as I am to know the series is returning for a new season in which Pearl will be immersed in more crime, family drama and a compelling will-they-won’t-they love affair – all set against the stunning backdrop of Whitstable’s mysterious coast - with a to-die-for cast who bring so much to every character. ”

Here's everything we can reveal about Whitstable Pearl Season 2...

Whitstable Pearl season 2 release date

Whitstable Pearl season 2 first aired on Monday, November 28, 2022 on Acorn TV in North America, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. 

You can watch both seasons of Whitstable Pearl on Acorn TV in the UK and the US. To sign up for Acorn, visit www.acorn.tv or download the Acorn TV app on your favourite device to start your 30 day free trial. You can also get Whitstable Pearl through Acorn TV on Amazon Prime (for an extra charge).

Whitstable Pearl seasons 1 and 2 are also available for UK viewers on free-to-air streaming service U. 

Is there a Whitstable Pearl Season 2 trailer?

Yes! Acorn TV has released a trailer for Whitstable Pearl Season 2 so do take a look below, and also catch up with Season 1's trailer below that...

Whitstable Pearl season 2 — where the first series left us

Whitstable Pearl season 1 follows Pearl Nolan, who runs a successful seafood restaurant in her hometown of Whitstable in Kent but deep down hankers to be a detective. However, when she comes across the dead body of her friend Vinnie, she sets herself up as a PI and teams up with out-of-town detective DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles) to solve Vinnie’s death and other murders in the picturesque seaside town. 

The show was adapted from the best-selling novels The Whitstable Pearl Mystery and Disappearance at Oare by Julie Wassmer and there are plenty more Whitstable Pearl novels in the series just crying out to be adapted for television, so it looks like it might be good news for fans... 

If you haven’t finished the series yet then be warned because there are some major spoilers on this page. Here we look at where the first series left off and what we know so far about a possible Whitstable Pearl season 2…. 

In the last episode of Whitstable Pearl season 1 we saw Pearl investigating the death of her father Flash. Her mother Dolly (played by Frances Barber) was resolutely tight-lipped about his life and death and it emerged that Flash was not the hero Pearl always thought he was.

Along with Mike, Pearl discovers that Flash wasn’t murdered and instead committed suicide. However, Mike’s inability to switch off from work left Pearl feeling used and she called time on their fledgling, if somewhat tumultuous, relationship. Viewers were left dismayed that their union ended before it really began, so here’s hoping Whitstable Pearl season 2 season will see them reunite. 

Whitstable Pearl season 2 plot and episode guide 

Here's our full episode guide to Whitstable Pearl season 2...

Episode 1
It’s six months on, and Pearl (Kerry Godliman) and Mike (Howard Charles) are just good friends. Mike has found a new vigour for life and his pursuit of open-air swimming has led him into the arms of a new woman, Kat, a sunny, outgoing, eternal optimist. Pearl also has a new person in her life, Tom, a supply teacher, who’s the definition of a ‘nice guy.' Pearl is hired by local ex-soldier Dan Tomlin whose son has disappeared under questionable circumstances.

Episode 2
Laid up with a broken ankle, Mike observes a suspicious neighbour who has night terrors. Mike thinks there’s foul play afoot and calls in Pearl to help him investigate. When a body turns up, it’s not who either of them were expecting.

Episode 3
Pearl is hired by Molly, who is hated amongst Whitstable locals as she’s planning to sell a beloved local pub once owned by her mother, to the highest bidder, rather than selling it back to the community. Molly has been receiving threatening anonymous notes - a dead seagull has even turned up on her doorstop. Molly’s had enough and she wants Pearl to find out who’s behind the notes and put a stop to it. The pub goes on the open market and is sold to a former Londoner, who washes up dead on Whitstable beach the next day. Pearl and Mike work together to find out who was responsible.

Episode 4
Pearl is hired by Natalia, a housekeeper who believes her boss is in danger. Her employer, a 1970s movie icon, Zelda St John (played by Stephanie Beacham), has changed her will, leaving the majority of her fortune to Natalia., so shefears that Zelda’s family might hurt her. Not long after, Zelda is found at home unconscious, attacked with a croquet mallet. Natalia disappears and is presumed guilty. Pearl trusts Natalia and believes she has been framed by the family. As they wait for Zelda to regain consciousness, Mike and Pearl lead separate investigations, clashing over who they believe is responsible.

Episode 5
Dolly notices unexplained things happening in her house: the shower being left on when she hasn’t used it, money going missing and then reappearing, the radio tuned to the wrong station. She hires her daughter, Pearl to investigate. Pearl fears her mother is showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease but hooks up security cameras to placate her mum. When she reviews the footage from the house a week later, she and her mum find an answer to the problems, which neither of them could have possibly anticipated.

Episode 6
Pearl caters for the wedding of Adnan and Laila in the bright lights of a nearby theme park. As the guests mingle, Pearl notices charged conversations and tensions swirling among the groom and his guests. After the ceremony, Pearl and Ruby sneak off for some fun in the hall of mirrors, where Pearl discovers Laila stabbed to death. The groom and his mother are arrested when suspicious texts are found on his phone. Pearl believes he is innocent so follows her leads from the wedding, alongside Mike and Nikki, to discover who from the wedding could have possibly wanted the bride dead, and why.

Whitstable Pearl season 2 cast — Kerry Godliman, Howard Charles and Frances Barber return

In Whitstable Pearl Kerry Godliman is reprising her role as Pearl. “I’m delighted to get the chance to play Pearl for a second series," Kerry says. "She’s such a rich character to dive into and I adore her passion for Whitstable, justice and oysters…and maybe a certain DCI too. Can’t wait!”

Given how she's spoken about the show in the past it’s clear it remains close to her heart. “There is humour in Whitstable Pearl, but it isn’t overly earnest, and I love a whodunit,” Kerry said. “I’d never played a lead but I loved it.” 

Pearl's cases overlap with Mike McGuire's police investigations. Their relationship is charged by a determination to outdo each other, and a fiery mutual attraction. When they compete, sparks fly and tempers flare. When they work together, they make one hell of a team. The last episode saw Mike walk drive away from Pearl after she told him she needed space. But despite their on-off relationship which had us all hooked, Mike does return, and is played once again by The Musketeers star Howard Charles. 

Doctor Who star Frances Barber also returns as the frivolous but loveable Dolly. And Rohan Ned was also a fan favourite playing Pearl’s son Charlie, so he looks set to be appearing in any new series as well. 

New cast in Whitstable Pearl season 2...

Robert Webb joins the cast of Whitstable Pearl season 2 as Pearl’s new love interest Tom, a supply teacher, who’s the definition of a ‘nice guy.' Emily Head is Mike’s new girlfriend Kat and Stephanie Beacham guest stars in ep 4, as 1970s movie icon Zelda St John.

Whitstable Pearl Season 2 novels

There are seven novels in the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries collection by Julie Wassmer, who was also a screenwriter on London’s Burning, Family Affairs and EastEnders. The first series only covered The Whitstable Pearl Mystery and Disappearance at Oare, so the plots of the other five novels are still up for grabs! The second of the novels, Murder-on-Sea sees a guest collapse at a Christmas charity church fundraiser, for which Pearl is providing the mulled wine. Did she put a bit too much alcohol in the festive tipple or is something more sinister afoot? 

Whitstable Pearl Season 2 — what else we know

Whitstable Pearl Season 2 began filming in Kent in February 2022, using many of the same locations as Season 1.

Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises, shared, “Pearl was an instant favorite for the Acorn TV audience and one of our top performers of 2021 in multiple territories. Acorn Media Enterprises is excited to bring another adaptation of Julie Wassmer’s captivating seaside mysteries to the small screen. Also, we’re delighted to have Kerry Godliman resume the lead role, ushering us through additional nuances of this now beloved character and new parts of Whitstable’s picturesque setting.”

 Tony Wood and Richard Tulk-Hart, joint CEOs of Buccaneer Media said “We are thrilled to see the world of Whitstable Pearl coming back. The response to season one was more than we could have hoped for and now the audience knows the main characters, we can build on the parts of the show we know worked best. Our hope is to see Pearl solving cases for years to come.”

 The producer of the series is Letitia Knight. Executive Producers are Tony Wood, Anna Burns and Richard Tulk-Hart for Buccaneer, Catherine Mackin for Acorn Media Enterprises, Øystein Karlsen and Julie Wassmer.

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BritBox vs Acorn TV, which is better? We've put together this guide to help you decide. If you're a UK reader, it's worth noting that BritBox has now rolled into ITVX, so see this article more as an ITVX vs Acorn TV article. For US readers, BritBox is very much available.

There are so many streaming services to pick from — Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, Prime Video and many more — it can be tough, but hopefully this guide will help.

Acorn TV has existed as a standalone service in the US since 2013 and expanded to the UK in 2020, and plays host to a range of gripping crime dramas and intriguing mystery stories from the UK and Ireland as well as other parts of the English-speaking world like Australia and Canada. 

BritBox, meanwhile, was launched in the US in 2017 before a separate UK version rolled out in 2019. The service was founded by the BBC and ITV, and plays host to content from many of the UK's own broadcasters including both founding networks plus Channel 4, Channel 5 and Comedy Central UK. Since April 2024 BritBox in the UK has been part of ITVX.

Below you'll find our breakdown detailing everything you need to know about these two streaming services to help you decide whether Acorn TV or BritBox (ITVX in the UK) is the right service for you...

BritBox vs Acorn TV: Overview

To start off, we'd like to suggest that neither BritBox nor Acorn TV is looking to become your primary streaming service; neither one is going to replace the likes of Disney Plus or Netflix, for example. You're much better off considering both BritBox and Acorn TV as supplements to your normal streaming habits.

BritBox is billed as "the home of British TV" and offers a curated library of content that includes complete box sets of old and new shows along with a growing range of original programming.

BritBox has over three million subscribers worldwide. Meanwhile, Acorn TV is a targeted service aimed at bringing new shows from around the world to fans of detectives, police dramas, and thrillers, all ad-free. New shows and hard-to-find gems are added on a regular basis. 

Acorn TV surpassed the one million subscriber mark way back in 2019.

BritBox vs Acorn TV: Pricing & Free Trials

Acorn TV currently costs $7.99 / £4.99, but you can also get an annual subscription for $79.99 / £49.99. In both the UK and the US, the annual subscription will get you 12 months' access for the price of 10.

Acorn TV's free trial period lasts for just seven days in the US. UK users can instead try the service for a slightly more generous 14-day trial period.

How much does BritBox cost? A BritBox monthly subscription costs $8.99 in the US, with annual subscription options available for $89.99 / £59.99. Like Acorn TV, that's 12 months for the price of 10. BritBox’s free trial lasts for seven days, regardless of which region you're watching in. In the UK, if you're after the BritBox library then an ITVX subscription, which has the BritBox shows, is £5.99 or £59.99. ITVX has a 7-day free trial.

Overall, both BritBox and Acorn TV are priced very similarly to competing streaming services of similar scope.

BritBox vs Acorn TV: Where are they available?

Acorn TV and BritBox are both available in different areas, and on different platforms.

BritBox is currently available in many countries including the US, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. In the UK as mentioned it's been wrapped into ITVX and is no longer available.

You can watch BritBox on: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, YouView set-top boxes, select smart TVs, iOS and Android mobiles and tablets, Roku devices, and in your browser.

Acorn TV is available in over 30 countries including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico.

You can currently watch Acorn TV in your browser (they recommend using Chrome), Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV devices, Chromecast, and on iOS and Android mobiles and tablets. 

BritBox vs Acorn TV: What's on?

For pure depth of content, BritBox is a winner. There's a vast library of BBC and ITV shows on BritBox. There are recent hits like After the Flood and The Responder. Plus there's a huge archive of old shows like Poirot, Pride & Prejudice, Absolutely Fabulous, The Office (UK) and much more. It should be said there's some crossover between the services and that if you want to get the latest BBC and ITV shows then BritBox is a better bet. We have a full list of BritBox shows. Fans of reality TV and soaps will also be well-served by the box sets of Love Island UK, The Only Way is Essex, Strictly Come Dancing, Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Emmerdale.

However, Acorn TV does create a lot of original series itself and if you're into detective shows you're sure to want to catch them. There's Signora Volpe, a lavish drama that mixes sleuthing, spying and a gorgeous Italian backdrop, starring Silent Witness legend Emilia Fox. There's also Harry Wild, the Irish mystery thriller stars Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour as Harriet "Harry" Wild, a recently retired university professor who discovers she has a knack for solving crimes. Plus The Chelsea Detective, a London-based cop show starring Gavin & Stacey's Adrian Scarborough. Acorn is continually making new shows, making Acorn TV a strong service.

If these original shows appeal then Acorn TV could be a good choice, especially if you're a big crime drama fan. But if you want a broader service, then BritBox might be the way to go.

You can also find movies on both services, although neither library rivals the likes of Prime Video or Netflix.

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BritBox vs Acorn TV: Our Verdict

Both services are available to watch in a range of ways, both are similarly priced, and both offer fairly standard user experiences, meaning your decision will come down to one thing and one thing only: what do you want to watch the most?

Acorn TV definitely has some gems and is especially appealing if you're a crime drama fan. If you're into very cosy crime dramas it's got even more going for it. However, it doesn't have the depth of BritBox. BritBox has a much vaster range of shows and if you lean more towards comedies it seems a better bet. Also if you're in the US you're getting the latest BBC and ITV dramas. In some cases, UK shows are actually reaching BritBox in the US even before they're available in the UK! And there are plenty of great crime dramas on the service too, such as the recently released McDonald & Dodds season 4.

So, if you're only interested in picking one of them up, BritBox edges it for us. However, we'd still recommend at least grabbing an Acorn TV free trial to check out what they've got on offer before picking it up.

If you're in the UK, then ITVX also edges it for us over Acorn TV. ITVX has all the BritBox collection plus it has the benefit over normal ITV services in that you can watch most content without ads. 

• BritBox vs. Netflix

John Wyndham's creepy sci-fi novel The Midwich Cuckoos has been turned into an eight-part Sky series by British writer David Farr, who adapted The Night Manager on BBC1 and penned Amazon Prime Video’s Hanna. Look out for Keeley Hawes and Max Beesely among the cast.

There’s a twist in this adaptation however. The original 1957 bestseller, which tells the story of a small English village where the women become pregnant by parasitic aliens, is being updated to the present day and relocated to a London commuter town. 

So here’s everything we know so far about Sky's all-new version of The Midwich Cuckoos…

The Midwich Cuckoos release date...

This eight-part adaptation of The Midwich Cuckoos comes to the US where it premieres on Thursday 17 October 2024 on AMC+, Sundance Now, and Acorn TV.

The Midwich Cuckoos was first shown in the UK on Sky Max (formerly Sky One) and NOW on Thursday June 2 2022 at 9pm, with all 8 episodes available as a box set. The Midwich Cuckoos is also streaming on StackTV on Amazon, or is free with ads on Global TV.

Is there a trailer for The Midwich Cuckoos?

Yes! Sky has just released a trailer for The Midwich Cuckoos, and it's just as creepy as we expected as we watch Keeley Hawes as Dr Susannah Zellaby and Max Beesley as DCI Paul Kirby in action. Take a look below...

The Midwich Cuckoos plot 

This stylish modern version of The Midwich Cuckoos is set in Midwich, a sleepy commuter belt town outside London, rather than the rural village of the novel. One September evening everyone in one part of the town suddenly falls unconscious without warning and for 12 hours no phones work and nobody can get into the blackout zone. 

When everything returns to normal, it’s discovered that every woman of childbearing age has become pregnant. They later give birth to a group of chillingly unusual children (see picture below), known as ‘The Midwich Cuckoos’. Soon it's apparent these odd children have strange abilities. They end up dividing loyalties and threatening lives both within the town and beyond — and it needs a terrifying sacrifice in order to prevent them causing global catastrophe….

The Midwich Cuckoos cast — Keeley Hawes, Max Beesley and who else is starring

There's a great cast for The Midwich Cuckoos. Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Line Of Duty, It’s A Sin, The Durrells and Finding Alice) joins Max Beesley (The Outsider, Suits) who lead the line-up. Alongside them are Aisling Loftus (A Discovery of Witches), Ukweli Roach (Blindspot), Synnøve Karlsen (Last Night In Soho, Clique), Lara Rossi (Robin Hood), Lewis Reeves (I May Destroy You), Rebekah Staton (Raised by Wolves) and Anneika Rose (Line of Duty).

Keeley Hawes plays gifted psychotherapist Dr Susannah Zellaby who's drafted in help support those affected by the mysterious events at Midwich. Susannah’s daughter Cassie (Synnøve Karlsen), is also one of those who has become pregnant and has deep concerns about who, or what, is behind the phenomenon.

Keeley says: “I’m absolutely delighted to be working with Sky and the brilliant Ruth Kenley-Letts on David Farr’s superb adaptation of The Midwich Cuckoos. I’m very much looking forward to working with the hugely talented Max Beesley and the amazing cast and I can’t wait to enter the strange and unsettling world of Midwich!”

Max Beesley plays local police officer DCI Paul Kirby who tries to maintain law and order in Midwich unaware that a terrifying force is building in the comfortable streets. The strange children eventually born are potential parasites who flourish under the very love and care that their families give them. Who are these children? Where did they come from and what do they want?

For a full lowdown on The Midwich Cuckoos characters and the actors playing them do scroll down and look below...

More from Keeley Hawes on starring in The Midwich Cuckoos as Dr Susannah Zellaby

Keeley Hawes told us: "The Midwich Cuckoos is, rightly, lots of people's favourite book. I hadn't read it, which was actually a great way to come to this project. Because I read that script fresh and just thought, 'Oh my gosh, you know this, it's really horrifying!' Whether you're a mother or not, it's relatable to everybody this idea of having something inside you and not knowing what it is. It's pretty awful.

"Susannah and her daughter Cassie have an interesting relationship. Susannah is a child psychologist, so it's doubly difficult for her because she's really good at helping children. But unfortunately, she struggles to help her own. She also has very difficult struggles with with mental health issues and with addiction.

‘It’s one of the most complex dramas I’ve ever worked on in terms of the amount of children, make-up and effects. A great example is the children’s teeth. They are all wearing false teeth to give them a uniform look, which is quite unsettling. But taking all these kids to a specialist dentist was no small endeavour. 

"Viewers probably won’t notice, or not realise what they have noticed. It just feels like something’s not quite right, and you’re not sure what it is!?

More from Max Beesley on starring in The Midwich Cuckoos as DCI Paul Haynes

Max Beesley told us: "The child actors are amazing. They all had chaperones on set and given the nature of the drama it was really important to make sure they were okay at all times. One day, I was working with this lovely lad and the script said I had to throw him into a wall. 

"I looked at the director and said, 'Come on, I’m not doing that! Can’t I just throw him on the bed or something?' It was all about making sure the kids were comfortable, so before every loud, physical scene we sat down and had a chat to make sure they were okay."

Who's who — our lowdown on the main characters in The Midwich Cuckoos

Here are the main characters in this version The Midwich Cuckoos...

Dr Susannah Zellaby
Keeley Hawes
The family psychologist worries about how her daughter, Cassie, will react after becoming pregnant unexpectedly.

Cassie Stone
Synnove Karlsen
Susanna’s daughter is keen to keep the baby and hopes the child will give her a purpose in life.  

DCI Paul Haynes
Max Beesley
The local police officer works with government officials to coordinate a response to the unprecedented events.

Deborah Haynes
Jade Harrison
Paul’s wife is already pregnant when the phenomenon happens, but he’s unable to contact her at the family home… 

Zoe Moran
Aisling Loftus
After moving to Midwich, Zoe and her partner Sam are trying for a baby, and she’s overjoyed to discover she’s pregnant.

Sam Clyde
Ukweli Roach
The kind-hearted teacher finds his relationship with Zoe tested to the limit when she falls pregnant. 

Jodie Blake
Lara Rossi
Jodie arrives in Midwich to stay with her sister on the day of the phenomenon after splitting up with her boyfriend. 

Nora Randall
India Amarteifio
The teenager becomes pregnant after agreeing to go to a party with her friends on the evening of the blackout. 

Stewart McLean
Mark Dexter
The local politician is running for election in Midwich, but is secretly having an affair with a member of his campaign team. 

Sarah McLean
Amy Cudden
Stewart’s wife is away with her daughter – who’s one of Dr Zellaby’s clients – on the night of the blackout. 

Behind The Scenes on The Midwich Cuckoos

It's been revealed that Alice Troughton who took the helm of Baghdad Central and A Discovery of Witches will direct the series, but so far there’s been no confirmation about who’ll be starring in The Midwich Cuckoos. Thanks to his role in the post-apocalyptic series The Walking Dead, British actor Andrew Lincoln could be in the frame, while Gangs of London Sope Dirisu and Bafta-winner Wunmi Mosaku were recently seen creeping us out in the Netflix thriller His House. But don’t rule out Hanna star Emma Creed-Miles or Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode, who recently worked with Alice Troughton on A Discovery of Witches. 

A brief guide to The Midwich Cuckoos author John Wyndham…

British science fiction novelist John Wyndham wrote his most iconic work The Day of The Triffids in 1951 after spending World War Two as a firewatcher during the Blitz, a censor in the Ministry of Information and a member of the Home Guard. The story sees most of the world blinded by gazing at a meteor shower which then allows poisonous giant plants, the Triffids, to take over the planet. 

There was a 1963 film adaptation of The Day of Triffids starring Howard Keel (of Dallas fame), Nicole Maurey and Janette Scott, plus there’s a 1981 version by the BBC starring John Duttine. Then, in 2009, the BBC made yet another version of The Day of The Triffids starring Dougray Scott, Jason Priestley, Eddie Izzard and Joely Richardson.

John Wyndham is also known for his novels The Chrysalids, set in a post-nuclear dystopia, and The Kraken Wakes about a mysterious flood and attacks on shipping by creatures from the deep. His novel Chocky, which tells the story of an alien consciousness that communicates with the mind of a 12-year-old boy was written Wyndham wrote a year before his death in 1969. There was a TV adaptation of Chocky too, shown on ITV in 1984, and starring James Hazeldine and Carol Drinkwater.

Village Of The Damned — the two famous movie adaptations of The Midwich Cuckoos

The Midwich Cuckoos was the inspiration for two movies, both titled Village Of The Damned. The eerie 1960 black and white version, directed by Wolf Rilla, starred George Sanders, Barbara Shelley and Laurence Naismith, with cinema-goers queuing round the block to see it. Then in 1995 the film (see our main picture) was given a Hollywood horror makeover by Halloween director John Carpenter and was set in North Carolina rather than England. It starred Superman actor Christopher Reeve, Kirstie Alley and Mark Hamill and featured a legion of alien children with glowing orange eyes and otherworldly powers. 

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Signora Volpe is a lavish drama that mixes sleuthing, spying issues and a gorgeous Italian backdrop. 

Silent Witness star Emilia Fox plays Sylvia, a former M16 operative who gets drawn into crime-solving when she visits her sister in a quiet village in Umbria, Italy. The disillusioned spy is trying to start a new, slower-paced life but it seems that trouble simply follows her around. Try as she might, Sylvia can’t quite shake her innate sense of justice, and plain nosiness, so finds herself embroiled in some dark and compelling crimes. 

This series is written by Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths, who worked together on Midsomer Murders, so we can look forward to seeing some juicy mysteries unfolding. Here’s everything you need to know about Signora Volpe season 1...

Signora Volpe release date 

Signora Volpe arrives in autumn 2023 on the UKTV Drama channel on Wednesday November 1 at 8pm. It's a three-parter with episodes running weekly at the same time. It can also be watched as a box set on the UKTV play streaming service. 

Signora Volpe previously launched on Monday, May 2 2022 on Acorn TV in the UK and AMC networks elsewhere in the world including the US. Episodes ran every Monday until May 16 2022.

To sign up for Acorn TV, visit www.acorn.tv or download the Acorn TV app on your favourite device to start your 30 day free trial. You can also get Signora Volpe through Acorn TV on Amazon Prime Video (for an extra charge).

Is there a Signora Volpe trailer? 

A Signora Volpe trailer has just arrived from Acorn TV and we’re excited to see Emilia Fox sleuthing against the backdrop of stunning Umbria. Take a look below..

Signora Volpe plot

Signora Volpe follows Sylvia Fox (Emilia Fox) who was an M16 spy for years but, searching for a more idyllic life, she visits her sister Isabel Vitale (Tara Fitzgerald) in Umbria, Italy. The plan is to start anew, keep her head down and enjoy the peace and quiet. Motivated by a need to seek out justice, not to mention prove herself right, adventure-seeker Sylvia can’t help but find herself drawn into some dark crimes and intriguing mysteries. 

To the casual observer, there’s nothing remarkable about Sylvia Fox (Fox) - an intelligent, confident woman in her forties, she tends to keep quiet about her formidable linguistic abilities, impressive knowledge of weaponry, and skills as a markswoman. Questions about her professional life are met with bland answers about an unspectacular career in the Civil Service. Which is only very slightly true – because until recently, Sylvia was a high-ranking British spy. When Sylvia arrives in Italy for the wedding of her niece Alice, she’s disillusioned with her job at MI6 headquarters in London, and in need of a break. But then the bridegroom disappears, leaving a dead body in the lake at the bottom of his garden, and Sylvia takes it upon herself to solve the mystery and save Alice from disaster.

Despite the unpromising start to her holiday, Sylvia is enchanted by Umbria, the green heart of Italy, and is surprised and pleased to find herself reconnecting with her estranged sister Isabel who lives in the handsome hillside town of Panicale. When she stumbles upon a beautiful, derelict old house, Sylvia decides to buy it, quit her job and start afresh.

Signora Volpe cast — Emilia Fox on playing Sylvia Fox

Sylvia Fox was a high-ranking British spy who has moved to Umbria and drawn into some investigations using her past skills She finds herself involved in a bevy of fresh mysteries – from the disappearance of a young woman a quarter of a century ago, to the theft of a truffle pig, and a blackmail plot against the son of a Russian politician.

"Sylvia’s at a crossroads in her life," Emilia told us. "She’s been totally focused on her work at MI6, to the detriment of her relationships with her family and her ex-husband Adam, played by Jamie Bamber, who she is still working with and sleeping with – which makes life complicated!"

Emilia Fox comes from an acting dynasty (her dad is actor Edward Fox, her mother is Joanna David and her brother is Freddie Fox). She started her career playing Georgiana Darcy in the BBC1 mini-series Pride and Prejudice in 1995. 

She went on to star in The Pianist, Things To Do Before You’re 30 and Dorian Gray. Emilia has had roles in The Wrong Mans, The Tunnel and The Trial of Christine Keeler, in which she played Valerie Profumo. However, she’s perhaps best known for her role as Dr Nikki Alexander in the hit BBC1 crime drama Silent Witness which she has starred in since 2004. 

Who else is starring in Signora Volpe?

Signora Volpe also star Game of Thrones actress Tara Fitzgerald who plays Sylvia’s sister Isabel who has settled in Umbria. Marcella, Battlestar Galactica and Strike Back actor Jamie Bamber also stars Sylvia's ex Adam who she's still sleeping with. Giovanni Cirfiera (Le Mans ‘66) plays Carabinieri Captain Giovanni Riva while Alexander Arnold (Save Me Too, Yesterday, Poldark) also stars

Signora Volpe episode guide

Here's our brief episode guide for season 1 of Signora Volpe...

Episode 1
Anxious aunt Sylvia Fox goes to Umbria for the wedding of her niece, Alice. But the groom, Tommaso, disappears, leaving a woman's body in the lake at the bottom of his garden.

Episode 2
Sylvia helps out on an archaeological dig at the Castello di Monterosa, and finds a skeleton buried in a shallow grave. The locals are convinced it's that of a teenage girl who disappeared 25 years ago.

Episode 3
When Sasha Pavlenko, the son of a Russian politician, is arrested in Rome for the murder of a fellow student, Sylvia's ex-husband and ex-colleague, Adam, asks her to investigate.

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She’s usually seen conducting post-mortems under the artificial lights of the Lyell Centre lab as Silent Witness’s forensic pathologist Nikki Alexander. So Emilia Fox was delighted to be on location in sunny Italy for her latest TV series, the Acorn TV crime drama Signora Volpe. 

The three-parter stars Emilia as Sylvia, a high-ranking MI6 employee who is taking a welcome break from work to attend her niece’s wedding in Umbria, where she is reunited with her sister, played by Tara Fitzgerald. 

But when the groom disappears and a dead body is found near his home, Sylvia draws on her espionage skills to conduct her own investigation.

We caught up with Emilia to find out more about why she would make a great spy — but won't be in the next James Bond film... 

There was a female 007 in A Time to Die. How do you fancy starring in a James Bond film? 

Signora Volpe is available on Acorn TV from Monday, May 2. 

After Life star Ashley Jensen, returns as sassy PR guru-turned-detective Agatha Raisin probing more crime in the Cotswolds. But in the first of three new feature-length mysteries — based on the late MC Beaton’s best-selling books — SHE'S the one being accused of murder! 

Here's everything you need to know about Agatha Raisin season 4...

Agatha Raisin season 4 air date

The first feature-length mystery of season 4, "Love, Lies and Liquor", can be seen on Monday, May 2nd at 8 pm on Sky Max and Sky Showcase, with the next two episodes "A Spoonful of Poison" and "There Goes The Bridge" following each week. 

The series will arrive in the US on Tuesday, May 3rd on Acorn TV as a box set.

Agatha Raisin season 4: What’s the story?

In "Love, Lies and Liquor", Agatha is hoping to be whisked off somewhere exotic by on-off lover James Lacey (Jamie Glover) to do the PR for his new book, stiletto-heeled sleuth Agatha (Ashley Jensen) is disappointed when they arrive at the not-so-glamorous Snoth-on-Sea.

That evening, while having dinner with James in the hotel, Agatha’s irritated by a loud, obnoxious woman, Geraldine Jankers (ex-EastEnders star Nicola Duffett), who spots Agatha watching and squares up to her. 

Later, as James walks Agatha to her room, she realises she’s left her scarf in the hotel dining room. The next morning, Geraldine is found murdered on the beach with Agatha’s scarf — and Agatha is arrested by the police!

What happens then?

Agatha’s released on bail but told not to leave Snoth. She’s adamant she won’t — after all she’s got a murder to solve! Can Agatha catch the real killer and prove her innocence?

"I love bringing Agatha back to life," enthuses star Ashley Jensen. "She’s a strong, confident woman who stands up and wants to be counted and who doesn’t take no for an answer. She’s one of the most fun characters I’ve ever played."

But Ashley admits there were some tricky readjustments…

"I must admit though, it took me a while to get used to wearing Agatha’s shoes again," adds Ashley. "Walking around the English countryside on gravel, dirt and cobbles wearing four-inch stilettos and wedges after spending a year in trainers and chunky boots has been a challenge."

Agatha Raisin season 4 cast 

Alongside Ashley, all our favourites return for the brand-new episodes. Mathew Horne is back as Agatha’s trusty assistant Roy, alongside Jamie Glover as James Lacey, Jason Merrells as Sir Charles Fraith and Lucy Lieman as Agatha’s close friend Sarah Bloxby (who proves herself to be quite the poker player!). Matt McCooey also returns as Detective Bill Wong, with Jodie Tyack as his girlfriend Toni Gilmour.

Agatha Raisin season 4 guest stars

The first mystery features a whole host of famous TV faces. Alongside Nicola Duffett as loud-mouthed matriarch Geraldine Jankers, Ian Puleston-Davies plays her brow-beaten new husband Brian, with former EastEnders actor Phil Daniels playing ex-Royal Marine - and Geraldine’s ex-husband - Archie Swale. The episode also stars former Casualty favourite Suzanne Packer as hotel manager, Marcia Shaw, and Desmonds’ Robbie Gee as Terry Miller, a wheeler-dealer who’s set to make money out of the hotel becoming a casino.

We love Ashley as Agatha - is she anything like her in real life?

"I think Ashley would quite like to be a bit more Agatha," reveals Ashley. "I don’t suffer fools and I think I can be quite direct sometimes when I need to be. I certainly don’t really dress like Agatha, though I was a very much a lover of a hat when I was young. But there’s probably a little bit of Agatha in me now - she’s rubbing off!"

What sets Agatha Raisin apart from other murder mystery series?

Agatha Raisin has proved a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, with Ashley admitting she’s not surprised by its success... "I think British comedy and American comedy are often quite different," she says. 

"I love physical comedy and I know Mat Horne and Jason Barnett (who plays Inspector Wilkes) do, too, so anytime we can get a bit of physical comedy in, we’ll do it. We’ll look at a scene and go: ‘Where’s the funny in this scene? What can we do to make it funnier?’ Also, it’s always quite good to see a poised woman suddenly losing decorum — that’s always funny."

Agatha Raisin airs on Monday, May 2nd at 8 pm on Sky Max and arrives on Acorn TV in the US on Tuesday, May 3rd.

Harry Wild's Jane Seymour has played plenty of remarkable women in her career, from opera singer Maria Callas to French Queen Marie Antoinette, American socialite Wallis Simpson and Wild West physician Dr Quinn. 

But she has a particular soft spot for her latest small-screen incarnation, Harriet ‘Harry’ Wild, a free-spirited academic who, as well as devouring books, enjoys swearing, smoking, snogging and generally shocking her strait-laced detective son Charlie (Kevin Ryan) and his wife Orla (Amy Huberman).

In Acorn TV’s new eight-part crime drama Harry Wild, Harry is celebrating her retirement when she unexpectedly turns sleuth after spotting links between a murder Charlie is investigating and an obscure Elizabethan play.

With no one listening to her outlandish theory, Harry teams up with troubled teen Fergus (Rohan Nedd) to try and crack the case and discovers a talent for sleuthing. 

We caught up with former Bond girl Jane to set the crime scene…

What do you like about your character, Harry? 

"Everything! Age and gender mean nothing to her. She’s raised a kid, who’s now a grown man, on her own. She uses her knowledge of literature and history to investigate crime, and is not afraid to chase down murderers!"

What’s her love life like?

"If she fancies some guy, she's going to enjoy him until he doesn't fit into her life anymore. Then she'll say: ‘Bye bye’!"

How does she get on with her young sidekick, Fergus? 

"It’s a wonderful relationship. Fergus is from the other side of the tracks, and knows all the bad guys, because his dad's one. She's teaching him English and getting him through his GCSEs – or whatever they're called in Ireland!"

Harry likes going undercover. Was that fun to play? 

"Yes! She is not an actress, but at a moment's notice she can be a little old Scottish lady, or even the head of the police!"

Harry retires in episode one. Is it something you’ve considered?

"I've never been busier! I’m signed up to do two movies – one in England, which is a comedy, and another in America, with Danny Glover. So sorry, I’m not retiring!"

Harry is mugged in episode one. Have you been a victim of crime? 

"When I was filming Live and Let Die in New Orleans, I was walking down Bourbon Street and somebody tried to snatch my handbag! Without thinking, I did what my character Solitaire does to James Bond in the film – I hit the guy in the face and ran!"

Did you enjoy filming in Dublin?

"I loved it! Amy Huberman, who plays Harry’s daughter-in-law Orla, said her husband Brian would love to cook for me, and invited me to their house. I had no idea he was the famous rugby player Brian O’Driscoll!"

Do you have a favourite age or decade? 

"I live in the moment, so I'd say right now I'm happier than I've ever been. My kids are amazing, and my grandchildren are just magic. I'm doing really good work, and travelling a great deal. And as long as I can stay healthy, I hope to continue for quite a while!"

Harry teaches English literature. What book has stayed with you? 

'Ballet Shoes' by Noel Streatfield made me want to be a dancer. And the first time I read 'Gone with the Wind', I locked myself in a room and wouldn’t let anyone disturb me. I was so upset when it ended!

When and where can I watch Harry Wild?

The eight-part mystery series Harry Wild is launched worldwide on Acorn TV on Monday, April 4 2022 with the first two episodes shown in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Spain and Portugal. 

Each subsequent 60-minute episode is then released weekly until April 25. To sign up for Acorn TV, visit www.acorn.tv or download the Acorn TV app on your favorite device to start your 30 day free trial.

For previews of all the latest releases on television streaming platforms, listen to our weekly podcast, Bingewatch. 

The Chelsea Detective is a brand new crime drama that stars Adrian Scarborough in the title role. 

Adrian, who has been in a host of TV roles but is best known for playing downtrodden husband Pete Sutcliffe in the hit BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, stars as Detective Inspector Max Arnold. 

Born and bred in Chelsea, Max and his colleague DC Priya Shamsie (Luther star Sonita Henry) have plenty of crimes to solve in the well-heeled borough of Chelsea crammed with multi-million-pound mansions. 

Here in an exclusive interview, Adrian whose previous drama roles include Sanditon, A Very English Scandal, and comedies Bloods and Plebs, tells us about the intriguing cases coming up, working with fabulous guest stars, and why this is a dream role for him...

How would you describe DI Max Arnold in 'The Chelsea Detective'? 

"He's quite a private individual and he lives on a houseboat on the Thames. Living on the river it's very much his isolated little island world which seems appropriate for him. He's very happy there."

Do we see much of Max's personal life away from work?

"Yes we do. He's going through a messy separation with his wife, Astrid who is played by Anamaria Marinca. 

"Anamaria is so lovely but all we ever got to do on screen was argue with each other which was a shame! We also find out that his father died recently. Max never really had a mum. She left early in his life so it's always been just him and his dad. His father ran a book shop in Chelsea so Max had this upbringing surrounded by dusty libraries of books." 

'Luther' star Sonita Henry plays Max's colleague DC Priya Shamsie. What are the dynamics like between Priya and Max?

"They make the perfect team. Max is quite subdued in his approach to life and he’s physically quite lazy. Priya is very go get’ em. She’s much more positive although she’s got problems of her own. She’s a new mum and she’s struggling a bit. Davood Ghadami (best known as  EastEnders’ Kush) plays her husband and you see more of their home life as the series goes on."

Did you and Sonita know each other before working on this?

"No we didn't. We had the most extraordinary audition process because we had to do the chemistry reads via Zoom which is not ideal. As soon as we'd been cast I thought it would be a good idea to meet up in person. We ended up going for a socially distanced walk along the Thames Path and got on like a house on fire." 

You've been in so many great TV series and roles. What's important to you when choosing a role?

"I was once given a piece of advice which was, 'Be a Jack of all trades and master of none' and I think that's served me pretty well! 

"You get your kicks in different places, things are always interesting and you're kept engaged. I've been incredibly lucky to work in the number of mediums that I have; film and telly, stage, radio drama and  I do lots of narration and commercials too. It makes for a very interesting life."

What appealed to you most about playing Max in 'The Chelsea Detective'?

"Crime dramas are a well-worn genre but to get the opportunity to play a lead in a detective series, is something of a dream for most character actors. And maybe it's an opportunity to say that you've matured slightly (laughing).

"What I also love about The Chelsea Detective is that they're all 90-minute episodes so you get the opportunity to create a little family from the crew and cast.

"Francis Barber plays Max's eccentric Aunt Olivia who is brilliantly fun. And we have lots of lovely actors across the series including Liz White (Unforgotten), Richard Harrington (Hinterland), Pooky Quesnel (The A Word), Bryony Hannah (Call The Midwife) and Joe Milson (The Last Kingdom) and so many great young actors too."

Did you do any research for the role? 

"We spoke to detectives which I found  completely fascinating.  I learned all about the ‘Golden Hour’, that crucial hour after a crime has been committed when you can find out lots of things, the body hasn't had a chance to deteriorate, people can't get too far away from the crime scene. That first hour is critical."

What crimes are we going to see DI Max and DC Priya trying to solve in the four-part series?

"Their first case sees them investigating a mysterious death at South Kensington underground station. A local stonemason has fallen in front of the train but the big question is did he fall, or was he pushed?  

"There's an intriguing case about an Italian restaurant owner who suddenly disappears. That all gets very dark and murky. Episode three is essentially about historical football violence at Chelsea FC and how that has tumbled on into various people's lives and the final case focuses on an International School where one of the teachers is moving to Japan with his family but is found murdered."

What other TV projects have you got coming up in 2022? 

"I've just been shooting the second series of Bloods for Sky with Lucy Punch, Julian Barrett, Samson Kayo, and Jane Horrocks. It's a comedy about a group of paramedics which seems to have gone down well. We finished making ten new episodes just before Christmas 2021. 

"I've also been filming Sanditon again which is made in Bristol, Bloods is shot in South London and then The Chelsea Detective is of course in Chelsea so there has been a lot of bobbing about. I'm very fortunate to be so busy!"

The Chelsea Detective will air on Monday, Feb. 7 2022 with later episodes to follow weekly on Mondays. 

Subscribe on the Acorn TV website or download the Acorn TV app on your favorite device to start your 30-day free trial. You can also get The Chelsea Detective through Acorn TV on Amazon Prime Video (for an extra charge).

Dalgliesh has returned to our screens in a brand new adaptation for Channel 5 and Acorn TV. The six-part series is based on the detective series of novels by P. D. James and sees Bertie Carvel in the title role as the enigmatic detective Adam Dalgliesh.

The fictional detective has appeared on TV many times before, most famously portrayed by Roy Marsden in a string of stories for ITV.

Talking about the appeal of the show, Bertie tells us: “I hadn't read the books before the project so I came to it fresh. I had a good feeling about it. It's a period drama, but also a character study. What he's going through in his life, he's processing through the lens of his police work and his poetry.” 

He adds: “PD James describes him as having a ‘splinter of ice’ in his heart. I think of him like a hawk. There's a ruthless detachment, a determination to come to the truth in him and a commitment to justice. As an observer of human nature, Dalgliesh is also someone with deep emotional intelligence, sensitivity and a well of compassion.”

Here's everything we know about Dalgliesh...

Dalgliesh release date

Dalgliesh airs in the US on Acorn TV, while it is being shown on C5 in the UK. The whole series is now available to watch on My5.

What is the plot of Dalgliesh?

Dalgliesh is being adapted from the novels Shroud For A Nightingale, The Black Tower, and A Taste For Death. Set in the 1970s, the series follows Adam Dalgliesh, who is still grieving his wife’s death as he solves unusual murders and reveals buried secrets. 

The first story Shroud For A Nightingale follows the young women of Nightingale House, where they're taught how to care for the sick. But when a student is killed, it's up to Dalgliesh to find out what happened and bring the killer to justice.

Meanwhile, the The Black Tower is a dark investigation into a care home for disabled people, where its revealed the "caring" community are hiding dark secrets. Finally, A Taste For Death sees two bodies at St. Matthews Church Paddington, one a homeless pensioner and the other a Minister of the Crown, which forces Dalgliesh to uncover dark and dangerous family secrets.

Who stars in the series?

Bertie Carvel stars as Dalgliesh with Jeremy Irvine playing his sidekick DS Charles Masterson. Talking about their relationship, Bertie tells us: “Masterson is everything Dalgliesh is not, he's hot-headed where Dalgliesh is cool. He's judgemental where Dalgliesh is reserved, he's bigoted where Dalgliesh is liberal and he's young where Dalgliesh is older – and he’s fabulously good looking! 

"He's a good foil for Dalgliesh because he stirs the pot, which is not Dalgliesh’s style. But Dalgliesh has chosen this man to be on his team although he has so many attributes that he dislikes. What they have in common is intelligence and good instincts. But will Masterson go too far?” 

What happens in episode one?

The first episode of Channel 5’s Dalgliesh begins with a shocking death, when a young medical student at Nightingale House named Nurse Pearce is killed during a demonstration involving a esophageal tube.It begins like any normal demonstration, but when she begins screaming and clutching her stomach, it’s clear someone has sabotaged it. However, by the time help arrives, it’s too late.

Detective Inspector Adam Dalgliesh is brought in to get to the bottom of what happened, as he heads to the school and meets up with Charles Masterson, who is scolded by Dalgliesh for not securing the scene of the crime earlier. As they enter the school, the now deceased nurse is found lying there, and her chest has been opened in a desperate attempt to save her life. 

The cause of death is identified as a corrosive substance which had been mixed into the feeding tube, and it is also discovered that a disinfectant was missing from the toilet which could have been involved in the poisoning. The disinfectant is later found outside underneath the student nurse’s bedroom windows.

Dalgliesh then proceeds to interview those who were present in the room at the time of the grisly death. He finds out that Nurse Pearce was deeply religious, and in her Bible there is a pamphlet about rehabilitating female prisoners. She was also a quiet woman with some of the other nurses claiming she didn’t talk to them much. Another nurse named Nurse Goodall even claimed that  “no one particularly liked Nurse Pearce.”

Josephine Fallon is a major player in the first episode, as she knows about Dalgliesh and his poetry, and confirms to him that she left early that morning and had a virus. Josephine reveals she has been discharged and tells Dalgliesh that she came back to Nightingale House because she left some personal letters on her bed. At the end of the episode Josephine is found dead in her bed after being offered water, so it was possible someone wanted to harm her too. Is it linked to Nurse Pearce? We’ll find out in episode 2!

What happens in episode two?

They investigate the death of Josephine and are conflicted as to whether she was murdered or had committed suicide. Sister Brumfett tells Dalgliesh that she had seen Josephine’s light on at around 2am. 

Dalgliesh and Masterson interview the Nurses about Josephine’s death and Dalgliesh discovers some information about Nurse Pearce from Nurse Goodale. Nurse Goodale reveals to Dalgliesh that she had seen Nurse Pearce reading a book- something she never did, apart from reading The Bible and she had hid the book under her covers from Nurse Goodale.

Dalgliesh reads a letter sent to Nurse Pearce from her grandmother. It was clear that Nurse Pearce had told her that she was very upset about a patient’s death called Mr Dettinger, who had Crohn’s disease. But, when Dalgliesh asks Masterson to go to London and contact Mr Dettinger’s mother, he’s frustrated and doesn’t want to go as he’s adamant that Nurse Dakers is responsible for Nurse Pearce’s death.

At the library, Dalgliesh finds out that Josephine had asked for an account of the Nazi war trials and that she had returned it yesterday, leaving it on a pile of children’s books. But, the woman who returned it wasn’t Josephine — it was Nurse Pearce.

Masterson and Nurse Pardoe sneak off together, while Dalgliesh looks at the returned Nazi war trials book rented by Josephine. He makes a grisly discovery, which leads him to find a bottle of Nicotine Sulphate inside a bucket of sand. The medical examiner tells Dalgliesh that all the symptoms of her death point to nicotine poisoning. He also reveals another shocking secret, that Josephine was pregnant and could have been a reason why she took her own life. But, Dalgliesh is certain that she didn’t take her own life.

Sister Mavis Gearing reveals that the nicotine sulphate is her rose spray and gets worried that she’s being suspected of murder as she is the only one who knew the location of the spray as she keeps it hidden. Gearing also tells Dalgliesh that the cleaning girl Morag Smith knew of the location of the spray too.

Masterson questions Mr Dettinger’s mother, Louise at her home, while Dalgliesh asks Matron about Josephine and  Dr. Courtney-Briggs. Matron tells Dalgliesh that there was a rumour going around about a relationship between the two. While Dalgliesh goes to find Morag, he’s hit over the head.

Courtney-Briggs examines Dalgliesh’s wound and says he needs anaesthetic so it can be stitched, but Dalgliesh refuses. Louise tells Masterson that her son, Mr Dettinger, served in the Army and had been sent to Germany, Felsenheim for the Nazi war trials. 

Dalgliesh questions Courtney-Briggs about his relationship with Josephine while he tends to his head wound and finds out that Courtney-Briggs didn’t know that Jospehine was pregnant. Masterson breaks the news that Dettinger recognised Sister Brumfett from the Nazi war trials and Louise got a discount on her son’s stay after telling Courtney-Briggs, who told her not to mention it to anyone.

Masterson reads an account from the book, and find that Sister Brumfett (whose real name was Irmgard Grobel) was sent to prison for murdering 122 Polish prisoners. However, Dalgliesh points out that Dettinger never said Brumfett’s name specifically. 

While they search for Brumfett, Sister Gearing screams that there’s a fire at the gardener’s hut and they find a body amongst the wreckage. Matron and Dalgliesh find a note on Brumfett’s bed admitting to the murder of Nurse Pearce and Josephine for discovering “a dark secret” and it also turns out Matron knew of her secret too, but had forgotten about it and had accepted that she had done her time in prison.

Dalgliesh tells her that she in fact didn’t serve her whole sentence and had absconded with a British soldier who had been guarding her and is a wanted woman. But, in a shocking turn of events, it turns out that it was Matron who Dettinger had recognised and Brumfett was obsessed with her. The ‘secret’ written in Brumfett’s note was in fact the secret that Pearce and Josephine had discovered that it was Matron who was Irmgard Grobel and she was terrified that Matron would leave her, so she murdered the two women. Due to Brumfett’s obsession with her, Matron murdered her and she’s then arrested for her crimes.

What happens in episode three?

A shocking death occurs when a man named Victor Holroyd is pushed off a cliff while in his wheelchair.

Dalgliesh is summoned to Devon by his friend Father Michael, but he’s stunned to discover that he’s died. Maggie Hewson talks about a small care home called the Grange (which Father Michael was chaplain of), and tells Dalgliesh that no new residents have been placed there since Victor’s death. She hints that she believes his death wasn’t an accident like everyone else believes.

Dalgliesh reads a note written to him from Father Michael dated before his death, asking for his help with a disturbing situation at the Grange. Dalgliesh goes to the Grange to investigate and meets Wilfred Anstey, who says that Father Michael had insisted on staying in the cottage, instead of the care home when he was released from hospital. He also reveals that there was a mistake the night Father Michael died when one of the residents, Grace Willison visited him at the cottage in the evening. Nurse Helen was supposed to pop in later, but there was some kind of mix-up.

He decides to spend the weekend in the cottage just as he planned, and Helen gives him some bedding. He takes the opportunity to ask her about the mix-up with Father Michael and she explains that she was asked to by Eric, but she was busy with the residents and suggested that he should ask Dennis or Maggie to check on him instead. But, Maggie refused and Eric couldn’t find Dennis, so he assumed Helen would go as asked.

While out on a walk, Dalgliesh stumbles across The Black Tower, a place which Wilfred explains he uses for meditation and private prayer and was restored by his great grandfather. He also tells him why he started the Grange, saying “I’d faced something and been saved.”

Dalgliesh finds a poison pen letter and goes to speak to Grace, who says that Victor was quite forceful and would bully Dennis into wheeling him up to the cliffs. She also tells him that she paid Father Michael a visit for confession and he had taken his stole off, which Maggie had said he was still wearing when he died.

Dalgliesh is given a tour of the Grange by Julius Marsh, an old friend of Wilfred’s who does the accounts sometimes. He reveals what truly had happened to Wilfred, saying that he had become ill a few years ago and could barely walk, but the hospital couldn’t help him. He went to Lourdes and came back miraculously cured.

Dalgliesh asks Grace if she knew anything about the poison pen letter he found and she admits that she had received one a week or so before Victor died. Dalgliesh speaks to another resident, Ursula Hollis, who says that Victor was very cruel and hated the staff. She also thinks that he killed himself. 

Later, Maggie tells Dalgliesh that she had seen Michael and Dennis arguing on the beach and Dennis pushed Michael onto the rocks. Dalgliesh pays a visit to the local police station and they too think Victor took his own life after he demanded that Dennis wheel him up to the cliffs and leave him alone. But when Dennis looked back to check on him, Victor was gone.

While Dalgliesh confronts Dennis, Dennis spots that the tower is on fire and they save Wilfred. Meanwhile, Dalgliesh has recruited DS Kate Miskin to do some digging on the case without her DI’s knowledge. She finds that Dennis’ mum lives in a fancy private nursing home called Meadowlands, which he pays for. She also reveals that he was offered a job there for more money but he turned it down.

Maggie’s husband, Dr. Eric Hewson lets out that he received a poison pen letter from Victor at Julius’ party, but Maggie bats it off as Victor’s sense of humour. But, one of the residents, Henry, also got a horrible letter after he fell in love with a resident named Peter. Victor told Wilfred about their relationship and Peter was sent away to a different home and died of pneumonia. 

At the end of the episode, another shocking murder happens as Grace is killed while in her bed. Is her death linked to Victor’s? We’ll soon find out in episode four...

What happens in episode four?

Maggie calls Dalgliesh for help and he inspects the crime scene. Wilfred makes the announcement of Grace’s death to the residents and makes the decision to invite the Ridgewell Trust to take over the running over Toynton Grange. He also reveals that he will be holding a vote on whether he will carry on as spiritual adviser. 

Maggie is excluded from the vote, due to not being a staff or resident and she’s furious. She interrupts Eric and Helen having a private romantic moment and Eric supports Wilfred’s decision. Maggie rages and points out that she knows about his affair with Helen and won’t put up with his bullying or control anymore.

Dalgliesh makes a terrifying discovery in the Black Tower as he finds Maggie has hung herself and left a suicide note. Miskin inspects Maggie’s bag left at Julius’s and Dalgliesh finds his pen amongst her belongings. 

Dalgliesh and Miskin question the residents and Henry tells them that Victor and Maggie were very close, meanwhile Dalgliesh has a hunch as to who wrote the poison pen letters — one of the residents, Jennie, and he gets her to confess.

The coroner says that Grace wasn’t murdered and had undiagnosed cancer. Later on, the residents of the Grove hold a funeral for the lives that had been lost. 

Back at Father Michael’s cottage, Dalgliesh sees a letter addressed to him from Maggie. Maggie admits in the letter that she was the one who set the Black Tower on fire to scare Wilfred, calling him “a bully and a fraud.” The letter goes on to reveal that Victor found out from the doctor that examined Wilfred, that there wasn’t anything wrong with him and it was all in his head. 

The residents prepare for their pilgrimage to Lourdes, but Dalgliesh interrupts the preparations to have a word with Wilfred, who laughs at his claims. As they embark on their trip, Dalgliesh looks around the Grange and Miskin finds out some interesting information that she’s desperate to tell Dalgliesh. She calls the Grange hoping to speak to Dalgliesh, but Julius answers instead. 

Miskin runs out of the police station, panicking and drives to the Grange. Dalgliesh bumps into Julius in the office of the care home and he’s tortured as to why anyone would kill Grace, when she was just a lady who was in charge of the newsletters and mail outs. 

Dalgliesh begins to suspect that there’s something wrong with the mail outs, as they’re scheduled for after the Lourdes trips both times on the planner. When Dalgliesh looks closer at the map for the trip to Lourdes, he notices that they stop in Marseilles, a major centre for drug smuggling and suspects that Dennis is using the residents to smuggle drugs- but he’s not doing it on his own.

Dalgliesh soon rumbles Julius’ involvement in helping Dennis smuggle drugs and things turn sinister when Julius pulls a gun on Dalgliesh. He spills that Maggie told him about Victor knowing Wilfred’s secret and Dennis killed him, after Victor threatened to expose it which could have destroyed the whole drug smuggling operation. 

He also told how he got Maggie drunk, convinced her to write a note and walk up to the tower with him where he killed her. When Dalgliesh questioned him about Father Michael, he admitted that Dennis felt guilty about Victor and started asking Father Michael about confession. Father Michael began to suspect something and argued with Dennis, telling him to go to the police, but Julius couldn’t take the risk and murdered him too.

As a gun-toting Julius forces Dalgliesh to walk to the edge of the cliff, he blames Grace’s death on Dalgliesh, saying “You just wouldn’t go away, so I had to get rid of the list. That meant getting rid of Grace, too.”

Julius and Dalgliesh fight and a wounded and bloodied Dalgliesh relives the memories of his wife as he lies dangerously close to the edge. But, when the police and Miskin arrive just in time, Julius decides to have a different fate and jumps off the cliff before he can be arrested. 

What happens in episode five?

Churchwarden Miss Wharton and eight-year-old Darren are distraught when they find two dead bodies in the vestry of St Matthew’s Church, Paddington. Dalgliesh and Masterson tend to the crime scene and find the bodies have had their throats slashed. One of the victims is a former MP called Sir Paul Berowne and Dalgliesh recognises him from a policing committee he once addressed. The other victim is Harry Mack, a homeless man. At the scene, they find Paul’s overnight bag, a burnt diary and Paul holding a razor.

Dalgliesh and DS Miskin question the priest, Father Barnes, Miss Wharton and Darren and discover that Miss Wharton doesn’t know anything about Darren, he just started following and waiting for her everyday. They both go to talk to Paul’s family to discover more about him and his whereabouts. Paul’s mother, Lady Lavinia Berowne, reveals that the reason he resigned as an MP was because of differences with the party leadership. But she begins to act strangely when Dalgliesh suggests the stories about Paul being linked to a woman called Jeannie Travers, who died at his wife Lady Barbara Berowne’s birthday party and was a cleaner for the household. She drowned and was pregnant, but rumours spread around that the baby belonged to Paul. 

The family are startled when Dalgliesh shows them Paul’s burnt appointment diary, something that he would only keep in the study. Meanwhile, Masterson tries to get information out of Darren, when he takes him home. 

Lavinia hinted at another death in the Berowne family and they discover it was Sir Hugo Berowne, Paul’s brother, a major in the Coldstream Guards who was shot in Northern Ireland a week after Bloody Sunday. Paul’s first wife, also died that same year in a car crash. They also find a negligence case against Stephen Lampart, the cousin of Lady Barbara, at his maternity clinic.

Dalgliesh and Masterson then question Gordon Halliwell, a driver who works for Lavinia. Eagle-eyed Dalgliesh spotted his Coldstream Guards pin and he says that he worked for Hugo and got out a month after he died. He was also good friends with Jeannie.

The coroner confirms that they were both murdered from behind by a right handed assailant. Dalgliesh believes that Paul knew the murderer and they staged it as a suicide. Each member of the family now becomes under suspicion and Masterson uncovers an important detail about the housekeeper, Miss Matlock from Dominic Swayne, Barbara’s brother. Paul was a barrister before he became an MP and her father was up for a murder charge. Paul mucked up the defense and her father ended up killing himself in prison.

After discovering that a car similar to Gordon’s was parked outside the church and that he was at The Black Swan the night Jeannie had drowned, the team decide to track his next movements. Gordon attacks Henry Yates, the doorman of The Black Swan for telling the information earlier to Dalgliesh.

Gordon makes a shocking admittance, as he reveals that Barbara was Hugo’s girlfriend, then Paul’s wife suddenly died in a car crash and after, Paul married Barbara. But the secrets don’t stop there as Gordon admits that Paul was there the night Jeannie died and he was soaking wet. 

Soon, another horrendous incident occurs, as Father Barnes is brutally attacked at the church. Could it be something to do with Paul? And did Paul murder his first wife and Jeannie? Let’s find out in the final episode.

What happens in episode six?

Dalgliesh and the team investigate Father Barnes’ murder and Dalgliesh claims that the murderer must have come back for something. Dalgliesh and Masterson question Stephen and he admits that he and Barbara are in love, while Dominc claims that Paul wasn’t there the night Jeannie drowned. 

Barbara is brought in for questioning and Dalgliesh tells them both that he reckons Paul knew about their affair and that contributed to his state of mind before his death. They also both have motive to have wanted to kill Paul for his money, for Barbara it was because she may have been threatened with divorce, and Stephen because of the negligence case that cost him thousands. 

They look into Dominic’s, Barbara’s and Stephen’s alibis and they do some digging to find out if any of them drive a black car, which could be the vehicle that was at the scene of the crime. 

Dalgliesh takes an interest in Norman Hurrell, Paul’s constituency agent who he was visiting in hospital the first time he went to the church. He pays a visit to Norman’s wife, who tells him that she tried to call Paul on the night that he had died to inform him of funeral arrangements for Norman. Lavinia answered the phone and checked Paul’s diary, which shows that Lavinia lied about not having seen it. 

Lavinia and Barbara have an argument about her affair with Stephen and accuses her of having a motive to kill Paul. Gordon gives a letter to Dalgliesh, a witness statement from Harry for a will. More evidence is uncovered as it’s revealed that Lavinia had lied and she was in fact at the church. Paul had called her after she received the call from Mrs Hurrell and asked her to come to St Matthew’s. Gordon then drove her to the church and Paul told Lavinia that Barbara had confessed to him about the affair and that he wanted a divorce. Which is then that he made a new will and left everything to Lavinia.

Barbara drops a bombshell that she’s pregnant with Paul’s child, but Lavinia knows it’s a lie and that it’s Stephen’s child. Later on, at the inquest, Darren and Dominic seem to recognise each other and Miskin talks to Theresa Nolan, who works at Stephen’s clinic. She explains that she attended to Lavinia after she had had a fall and needed constant care. While working at Campden Hill House, she tells Miskin a a horrifying secret that she was sexually assaulted by Dominic. Theresa confided in Paul about it and he was furious and wanted to confront Dominic.

Dominic denies the allegation, branding it as lies. Meanwhile, Masterson looks around Dominic’s house for any further evidence and uncovers a range of disguises. Dominic is enraged when Dalgliesh accuses him of murder. 

Miskin tries to persuade Theresa to press charges, but she refuses and Dalgliesh asks Miss Wharton if she recognised Dominic at the congregation the night Father Barnes was attacked. She doesn’t, until she sees a different picture of him wearing a jacket and notices the buttons. She recognises that it’s the same button she found locked in one of the church boxes and gives it to Dalgliesh.

Dominic goes to talk to Darren and asks for his help in finding the lost button from his jacket. But, even though Darren says he doesn’t know where it is, Dominic is adamant that he does and pressures Darren into telling him. Darren runs off and Dominic gives chase, grabbing him. 

Miss Wharton tells Masterson that she’s worried about Darren as he was meant to turn up to the church an hour ago but he still hasn't arrived. Masterson brushes it off that he’s just forgotten, and Dalgliesh calls with news that Dominic is on the run and they have enough evidence to charge him. Masterson sends Miskin off to search for Darren, while he goes to Campden Hill House. 

Lavinia tells Dalgliesh that Miss Matlock has disappeared with Dominic and they frantically search for them. Miskin turns up at the church and hears Dominic and Miss Wharton arguing as he demands to know where his button is. Dominic is holding Darren hostage with a knife and threatens to hurt him when Miskin interrupts. Miskin offers herself as his hostage instead of Darren, but as he accepts the offer and she edges forward towards him, he punches her and runs off with Darren.

As Dominic tries to make his escape, Dalgliesh shows up and talks to him about what happened. Dominic admitted that, “Paul knew how to die. Yeah. Just looked at me. Turned his back. It was...It was like I was doing him a favour.” Dalgliesh says that Paul was depressed, but he would have wanted life again after it had passed. Dominic went on to say how he killed Harry and Jeannie, Harry was easy because he was drunk and Dominic had drowned Jeannie out of anger for laughing at him by the river while Paul confronted him about the sexual assault. 

Dalgliesh talks him down, opening up to him about his own life and the loss of his wife and child. At the end of the episode, Dalgliesh boxes up the baby room and looks out of the window onto the Thames as the rain pours down. 

Is there a trailer?

Yes, one has now landed...

• BritBox vs Acorn TV
• Best Channel 5 dramas

Created for television by Julian Unthank (Doc Martin), comic crime drama Queens of Mystery season 2 is coming to Acorn TV. 

Set in the surprisingly dangerous country village of Wyldemarsh, the whimsical whodunnit follows the crime-solving exploits of local police officer Matilda Stone, who is aided and abetted in her inquiries by her three crime-writing aunts Cat, Beth, and Jane (Julie Graham, Sarah Woodward, and Siobhan Redmond). 

'Queens of Mystery' season 2 release date

Queens of Mystery season 2 arrives on Acorn TV on Monday, Nov. 29. It promises to be one of the best Acorn TV shows about!

What's new in 'Queens of Mystery' season 2?

Sharp-eyed fans of the show will notice that, in the new run, Florence Hall takes over as Matilda, who was previously played by Olivia Vinall. But, says Sarah Woodward, the change is not so easy to spot! 

"I have a feeling some people watching it won't even realize because they look so alike!" she says. "Florence is wonderful, and she’s the spitting image of Olivia, with her costume and hair and everything else!"

Guest cast for 'Queens of Mystery' season 2

The new series brings a stellar line-up of guest stars including Danny Webb (Liar, The Trial of Christine Keeler, Alien 3), Sarah Hadland (Miranda, Quantum of Solace), Paul Bradley (EastEnders, Holby City) ) Aki Omoshaybi (Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi), Selina Griffiths (Benidorm, Cuckoo), Sara Stewart (Unforgotten, Dr Foster), Jade Harrison (The Stranger, Capture) and Gerald Kyd (Harlots, Cold Feet).

What's the plot?

There are three two-part investigations across six episodes. 

EPISODES 1&2: SPARRING WITH DEATH 

When Matilda investigates a murder at Wildemarsh Wellness Retreat, she finds several people with distinctly unhealthy intentions towards each other, and a second death at the Wildemarsh Wellness Retreat leads Matilda to uncover a heart-wrenching tragedy, waiting to be avenged…

 EPISODES 3&4: THE MODERN ART OF MURDER

A body is discovered at the opening of a new art gallery where her Aunt Cat is exhibiting. Matilda’s interviews of the suspects doesn’t paint a pretty picture, but after a second murder at the gallery, she starts to realize there’s more to them all than may have first met the eye…

EPISODES 5&6: THE RAVEN

Matilda investigates what appears to be a robbery with clues reminiscent of her own mother’s disappearance — and then Aunt Jane finds a body and the case becomes a murder. But as Matilda searches for the identity of the killer, there are other parties much closer to home who’d prefer Matilda not to disturb too many secrets…

Is there a trailer? 

There is, and you can watch it below!

• BritBox vs Acorn TV

If you're looking for the best Acorn TV shows, look no further! Acorn TV specializes in bringing you gripping crime dramas and addictive mysteries that are sure to hook you in.  

As with any other streaming service, sometimes it can be pretty tough to find exactly what you're looking for; perhaps you're a murder mystery buff and you need to find the next series to pick apart? If you're struggling to find your next favorite show, we've scoured Acorn TV's library to track down the best shows available on the streamer at the moment!

Please note: some content may not be available in all regions. 

The best Acorn TV shows to stream right now

Signora Volpe

Signora Volpe is a lavish drama that mixes sleuthing, spying issues and a gorgeous Italian backdrop, starring Silent Witness legend Emilia Fox. She plays Sylvia, a former M16 operative who gets drawn into crime-solving when she visits her sister in a quiet village in Umbria, Italy. 

The disillusioned spy is trying to start a new, slower-paced life but it seems that trouble simply follows her around. Try as she might, Sylvia can’t quite shake her innate sense of justice, and plain nosiness, so finds herself embroiled in some dark and compelling crimes. This series is written by Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths, who worked together on Midsomer Murders. And great news for fans, Signora Volpe season 2 is on its way very soon.

Number of seasons: 2

Number of episodes: 6

Average episode length: 88-90 minutes

Harry Wild

The Irish mystery thriller stars Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour as Harriet "Harry" Wild, a recently retired university professor who discovers she has a knack for solving crimes. She's also quite foul-mouthed and a whiskey-loving drinker!

The eight-part first season (there's now three seasons to enjoy) of the drama follows Harry as she finds herself at a crossroads after she becomes a victim of a mugging and decides to recover at the home of her police detective son, Charlie (Kevin Ryan). But once under Charlie's roof, Harry soon starts interfering in his latest murder investigation. Especially when she hooks up again with her mugger Fergus (Rohan Nedd) and they forge a bond that involves this oddly matched pair sleuthing together….

Number of seasons: 3

Number of episodes: 20

Average episode length: 50 minutes

What the critics say: The Irish Times: "Seymour has fun in the part"

The Chelsea Detective

The Chelsea Detective stars Gavin & Stacey's Adrian Scarborough as Detective Inspector Max Arnold alongside Sonita Henry as Max's colleague DC Priya Shamsie. Max and his colleague DC Priya, are very down-to earth and don't quite fit in with the well-heeled residents of London’s most prestigious borough. In fact, most days DI Max Arnold, the son of a local bookshop owner, can be spotted tending to the plants on his houseboat just yards from some of the most valuable real estate in Europe. 

Max is just getting back on his feet after separating from his wife, art dealer Astrid, played by Anamaria Marinca, yet his determination and quick mind make him the perfect person to dig deep into the dark underbelly of deprivation, violence, greed and murder that lies under the shiny façade of Chelsea’s glamour. He will leave no stone unturned to root out the truth and bring those responsible to justice, regardless of their wealth or status.

Number of seasons: 2

Number of episodes: 12

Average episode length: 88-90 minutes

Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders needs no introduction. The show was first broadcast in 1997 and has remained a popular British crime drama ever since.

Based on the Chief Inspector Barnaby novels by Caroline Graham, the show sees DCI Tom Barnaby (and his later successor, John Barnaby) tackling an endless stream of murders in the picturesque, fictional English county of Midsomer. Midsomer Murders is well known for being an easy watch as it mixes creative murder methods with mixing a light-hearted nature with dark humor.

Although our UK readers will find the complete collection on ITVX, in the US Acorn TV  is the place to go for all the seasons.

Number of seasons: 24

Number of episodes: Over 100!

Average episode length: 89-102 minutes

What the critics say: The Guardian wrote: "Midsomer Murders does murder in an entertaining way. The reasons for the crimes, the acting, the characters and the methods of the deaths are larger than life."

Whitstable Pearl

Whitstable Pearl is a crime drama based on a series of novels by Julie Wassmer. Set in the titular town of Whitstable in England, this Acorn Original follows local celebrity Pearl Nolan (played by Kerry Godliman) who runs The Whitstable Pearl, a successful seafood restaurant. She also runs her own private detective agency, but she's primarily used to dealing with small-time problems that are a far cry from the cases she used to work on when she was still a police officer.

When Pearl discovers the body of a close family friend tangled up in his own boat's anchor, the police rule it an accident, but she suspects foul play and begins looking into Vinnie's death herself. The plot thickens when a second body turns up, and Pearl teams with new-in-town DCI Mike McGuire to get to the bottom of things. It's proved a big hit, and a third run is on the way...

Number of seasons: 2

Number of episodes: 6

Average episode length: 46-49 minutes

What the critics say: The AV Club said Kerry Godliman's performance "makes Pearl one of the most engaging detectives of the current TV landscape."

Agatha Raisin

Based on M. C. Beaton's comedy-mystery novels, Agatha Raisin sees Scottish star Ashley Jensen playing the frustrated PR agent-turned private detective in this light-hearted comedy-drama.

Agatha starts out by moving from London to the sleepy town of Carsely in the Cotswolds... where she swiftly becomes a murder suspect after entering the village's annual quiche-making contest! 

Having solved the mystery of the so-called "quiche of death", Agatha begins fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming an amateur detective as she gets to work solving a series of mischievous murders plaguing Carsely and the surrounding area.

Number of seasons: 4

Number of episodes: 20

Average episode length: 45 minutes (series 1), 90 minutes (season 2 onwards)

What the critics say: The Guardian called Agatha Raisin: "Campy, kitsch, silly and very fun... perfect wind-down telly."

Blood

Blood is an Irish psychological thriller created by Sophie Petzal (Hollington Drive).

This intriguing series sees Cat Hogan (Carolina Main) returning home to her small town in Dublin after receiving word that her mother— who was living with a long-term illness— has passed away after banging her head on a rock at the family home. 

Although her death is ruled as an accident, Cat suspects foul play when she is haunted by flashbacks from her childhood and believes that her father, Dr. Jim Hogan (Adrian Dunbar) must have had something to do with it. 

Blood is tightly-wound, full of suspense, and easily one of the best Acorn TV shows. Was Jim responsible for her death? And what other problems will come to light as the family's secrets slowly come to light?

Number of seasons: 2

Number of episodes: 12

Average episode length: 47-76 minutes

What the critics say: TIME Magazine said: "There are plenty of smart twists and the quintessential Irishness of the six-part show— from the emerald landscapes to the readings of Years poems— is a pleasure unto itself."

Manhunt

Manhunt sees Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) taking center stage as DCI Colin Sutton in this true-crime police drama which is available to stream on Acorn TV in the US (available on ITVX in the UK).

Based on the memoirs of the real police detective, the first series sees DCI Sutton on the hunt for the notorious serial killer, Levi Bellfield. In the second series, DCI Sutton is on the trail of a rapist who terrorised the elderly women of South London for 17 years.

Number of seasons: 2

Number of episodes: 7

Average episode length: 46 mins

What the critics say: The Independent described Manhunt as "superb, compulsive viewing."

Dalgliesh

This series, the latest adaptation of PD James' classic detective novels,  sees us joining the cop (played by Doctor Foster's Bertie Carvel) in the 1970s where he is still coming to terms with the death of his own wife and grappling with a series of dark crimes. 

Talking to us about playing the detective, Bertie said: "I hadn't read the books before the project so I came to it fresh. I had a good feeling about it. It's a period drama, but also a character study. What he's going through in his life, he's processing through the lens of his police work and his poetry." 

Number of seasons: 2

Number of episodes: 12

Average episode length: 60 minutes

What the critics say: The Telegraph said: "Television executives may consider this kind of straightforward, unflashy whodunit to be old-fashioned, but viewers may disagree."

Dead Still

Dead Still is an Acorn Original set in Victorian Ireland that follows Brock Blennerhasset (played by Irish actor and comedian, Michael Smiley), a renowned Irish photographer who specializes in memorial portraiture; that is, he takes photos of the recently deceased. 

Although he seems more comfortable around the dead than the living, Brock gets drawn into a criminal underworld after a series of murders begins to threaten his reputation and his livelihood.

Dead Still is part murder-mystery, part period drama, with a good amount of black comedy thrown in for good measure. 

Number of seasons: 1

Number of episodes: 7

Average episode length: 45-54 minutes

What the critics say: Independent.ie said Dead Still "feels confident and fully-formed from the very first episode".

Bloodlands

Bloodlands is a gripping Irish police procedural executive produced by Line of Duty creator, Jed Mercurio. The series (available to UK audiences on iPlayer) follows veteran Northern Irish police detective, DCI Tom Brannick (James Nesbitt). Branncik is called to a crime scene bearing all the hallmarks of a mysterious assassin codenamed Goliath.

Tom believes Goliath was responsible for his own wife's death, and from there launches a reinvestigation into a case that's been left unsolved for more than 20 years. From there, the show becomes a cat-and-mouse game as Tom tries to close in on the mystery hitman. 

Number of seasons: 2

Number of episodes: 10

Average episode length: 57 minutes

What the critics say: The Radio Times said: "An unpredictable thriller with all the hallmarks of a Jed Mercurio drama

Acorn TV is $7.99 per month in the US with an annual subscription of $79.99/year. In the UK it’s £4.99 prt month or £49.99. US viewers can get a 7 day free trial, while there’s a 14 day free trial available in the UK.

When her husband Rory is killed in a car crash on the way back from a business trip in the south of France, antiques dealer Jean White (Sally Lindsay) discovers he's blown all of their money and left her virtually penniless. 

After noticing that the extremely valuable ring he'd just bought was missing from the scene of the crash, Jean reluctantly travels to antiques hotspot Sainte Victoire to find out what's happened to it — but upon her arrival, she discovers that the circumstances of Rory's death are more suspicious than they first appear.

That's the setting for new drama The Madame Blanc Mysteries, created and co-written by star Sally Lindsay, who was inspired by her own love of antiques and mystery stories. We chatted to Sally all about how she came up with the series and reuniting with her pal Steve Edge...

Sally Lindsay on the inspiration for 'The Madame Blanc Mysteries'

"I think it came to fruition when I was filming in the freezing cold, in a little caravan on a car park in Manchester, and I just thought 'there's got to be a better workplace than this'! Even though I loved the project, I thought, 'wouldn't it be wonderful if we did something in the sunshine?'. I've always been fascinated by antiques. I was obsessed with Lovejoy as a kid, I used to watch it with my gran at her house and I thought it was warm, wonderful and an hour of escapism, so that was a big influence — even though when I look at these episodes, it's nothing like Lovejoy at all, except that there are antiques in it!"

What happens to Jean at the start of the series?

"I've always had a fascination with the idea of, what if you're living this wonderful life, thinking that you're making money and you're married to the right person, and then one day everything is taken away from you? That's how the show starts — everything she thought was real is not real. When Rory dies, Jean realises he's been leading a double life and she's lost everything. All she's got is this tiny little cottage in the south of France, and she's travel sick and doesn't speak a word of French, but she has to go there..."

Jean develops a friendship with local cabbie Dom, played by Steve Edge, after she arrives. You've worked with Steve before — what was it like being reunited with him?

"I've known Steve since Phoenix Nights, so we're old, old friends. I've played his wife a couple of times in sketch shows over the years, but I've always wanted to work with him on something at length, because what I think a lot of people don't know about Steve is he's such a versatile actor as well. As the series goes on, you'll see his phenomenal range, and I was so chuffed when he agreed to do it because I thought he'd be absolutely perfect — and he's really easy on the eye, for women of a certain age!"

You created this series, and you co-wrote it with Sue Vincent, who plays Gloria — what was the experience of developing the show like?

"I've written and created lots of things over the years, and some have been made — not many! — but this was a challenge because we got it commissioned by Channel 5 literally straight when we gave it in, which was unheard of. When you think Scott & Bailey and Mount Pleasant took six years to get made, and then five minutes after this went in, they said 'yeah, we'll have it!'. 

Ben [Frow, director of programming at Channel 5] and Seb [Cardwell, deputy director of programmes] were unbelievable, because they said 'well, you have a go at the script then', so I rang my writing partner Sue, as I had no idea about it because I'd developed it on my own! I developed it while I was at Pinewood doing Still Open All Hours — I had so much time because I have such a little part in that, so I just used to sit at my desk and write Sainte Victoire, this world and these characters. I was on holiday, so Steve [White, Sally's husband] wasn't very happy at all, but we managed to get the first script out — which was nothing like the final version, but it was good enough to get us over the line and they said 'right, you two can write it!'"

What was the inspiration behind the character of Jean?

"There's aspects of Jean that I wanted to be absolutely Sherlockian — I wanted her observation to be off the scale, and I think she didn't know how amazing it was until she's put in a situation where she has to remember stuff. When you see these amazing antique dealers, they always fascinate me because they can pick up an object and they grow a world around it, and suddenly you're in 18th-century France or 1920s America, and Jean is so brilliant at that. Her observation and her knowledge of antiques is off the scale, that's her superpower really. I thought it would be really interesting to make her as normal and as inconspicuous as Miss Marple, so I've nicked from that as well — but obviously slightly younger. Not much, but slightly younger!"

• The Madame Blanc Mysteries launches on Saturday Oct. 16 at 9pm on Channel 5

• Best Channel 5 dramas

As you might imagine from its title, new crime series Whitstable Pearl has the picturesque coastal town of Whitstable in Kent as its backdrop. While Whitstable might seem like a quiet, pretty place to live by the sea, under the surface there are all manner of grisly crimes unfolding. In fact, it’s just the place for a detective agency!

Big-hearted local celebrity Pearl Nolan, played by Kerry Godliman, is celebrated in her hometown for her restaurant The Whitstable Pearl. But what many of her customers and neighbours don’t realise is she’s a frustrated sleuth at heart, especially since her police career was cut short many years earlier. 

So when Pearl discovers the body of her close family friend, Vinnie tangled up in his boat’s anchor, she suspects foul play and embarks on some detective work of her own. Then a second body turns up and she finds herself embroiled in the dark underbelly of her hometown, Whitstable in Kent.  She soon decides it’s high time the town had its own detective agency and teams up with new arrival DCI Mike McGuire to put her long-since dusted-off police skills to use. At first she's unimpressed with DFL (Down From London) chief inspector McGuire’s investigation. however, which leads to grumbles and clashes…

Here's our guide to everything you need to know about Whitstable Pearl....

Whitstable Pearl release date...

Whitstable Pearl season 1 will start on UKTV Drama with weekly episodes from Thursday March 21 2024 at 9pm. The six-part series previously launched on Acorn TV in the UK and the US from Monday May 24 2021.

* To sign up for Acorn, visit www.acorn.tv or download the Acorn TV app on your favourite device to start your 30 day free trial. You can also get Whitstable Pearl through Acorn TV on Amazon Prime (for extra charge).

Is there a trailer for Whitstable Pearl?

Yes! Acorn TV have released a trailer for Whitstable Pearl, and here it is below! 

'Are you a fan of Whitstable Mr Maguire?' asks Pearl... 'I'm not a fan of small towns,' he replies. 'It means you have to talk to people!'. 

Yes there's plenty of humour in this drama, which we should probably expect given Kerry Godliman's comedy pedigree. We love the look of Pearl's restaurant by the sea too! Bet it serves up some nice oysters!

Whitstable Pearl cast — Kerry Godliman on playing Pearl Nolan…

Whitstable Pearl restaurant owner Pearl Nolan always wanted to be a detective but then life, and a teenage pregnancy, scuppered her dreams. Instead she built up a successful seafood restaurant in her hometown of Whitstable, who she runs with her son Charlie and waitress Ruby, but she could never quite bury her desire for policing. 

Pearl is played by Kerry Godliman, who's best known for her role as Lisa, the deceased wife of Tony Johnson (Ricky Gervais) in the hit Netflix comedy After Life. She also starred in crime drama Save Me, plus comedies Derek and Carters Get Rich. Alongside her acting roles, Kerry is a successful comedian and as well as performing stand-up has appeared on numerous panel shows such as Mock The Week and Taskmaster.

Kerry did an exclusive interview with our writer Elaine Reilly: ‘Pearl’s original ambition was to be a detective, but she gave up that career when she was young because she got pregnant,’ explained Kerry, 47. ‘Her teenage son Charlie (Rohan Nedd) is now coming up to leaving home. So, out of the sense of a new beginning, she's gone back to sleuthing. But she’s not a cop. Her hobby just happens to be finding dead bodies and poking her nose into things!

'There is humour in Whitstable Peal, but it isn’t overly earnest, and I love a whodunnit.'

Currently filming the third and final series of After Life for Netflix alongside Ricky Gervais, Kerry credits the sitcom for her landing the lead in Whitstable Pearl.

‘I don’t reckon I’d have got Whitstable Pearl if not for After Life,’ says Kerry. ‘It was such a pleasant surprise. I’d never played a lead before, but I’ve loved it.

'Filming of After Life is going good. I can’t give much away but there’s no plot twist… My character is still dead! The other day I met this bloke who said After Life was the reason he’d cried for the first time in years. I think Ricky has given a lot of people a key to emote. It’s extraordinary, really. And being attached to something as big as After Life is extraordinary.'

Whitstable Pearl cast — Howard Charles as DCI Mike McGuire...

DCI Mike McGuire is a new arrival to Whitstable and finds himself in competition with Pearl to solve the two murders. He’s played by Howard Charles, who played Porthos du Vallon in BBC1 series The Musketeers (currently on BBCiPlayer) More recently he’s appeared in The Red Line, The Widow, Liar and Amazon Prime series Alex Rider. 

‘With Mike and Pearl there’s an attraction but it’s against both their better judgements. They argue, clash and resist it. For him it’s a real pain in the ass that he’s met and fancies her!’ laughs Kerry. 'Howard and I made a real effort to pace it and drip in warmth. It’s not a linear romance.'

Howard Charles says: 'Mike is an outsider. A man wracked with guilt, plagued by an event – the death of his wife – in the not too distant past. He's lost connection with the vibrancy of life and is just a functioning widower and a good detective who is running on empty. He is transferred from a major crimes unit in London’s MET police to an English seaside town (Whitstable) where he can effectively do no harm. He meets Pearl Nolan, a local restaurateur and private detective. Pearl and McGuire relight something in one another. They have a lot in common:— they know the ship named ‘Ignorance is Bliss’ has well and truly sailed. They’ve both loved and lost. Neither is fulfilled. They’re both hurting. They are both guarded. Initially, there is conflict between them, however, as time passes, they grow to respect one another and begin to enjoy each other’s company, which opens up new avenues of possibility...and conflict.'

Whitstable Pearl cast — Frances Barber as Dolly...

Dolly is Pearl’s eccentric and political activist mother and played by Francis Barber who you’ll recognise from her roles as eye-patched baddie Madame Kovarian in Doctor Who, Caroline Warwick QC in Silk, plus Beautiful People and Mr Holmes. She also played teacher Alfie’s mum in Jack Whitehall’s school comedy Bad Education.

'Dolly is a big personality!' Kerry Godliman told our writer Elaine. 'I love when she talks about all her protests. She reminds me of my mum. When I was a kid mum took me to Greenham Common and other demonstrations. I try to keep that going with my daughter. It was a real honour to work with Frances, and Dolly is a great character. It’s really lovely to see a woman of that generation being celebrated. By episode six we find out a lot more about Dolly!'

Frances Barber says: 'I don’t want to give too much away, because it's a mystery and the MacGuffin runs all the way through the six episodes. But Dolly is larger than life. She's still on Tinder at her tender age. Whereas her daughter Pearl is rather strait-laced, and Dolly appears to be rather frivolous and a little bit out there, an old hippie really. But she features very heavily in the story-within-a-story, as the episodes unravel themselves, so she might come across as a little shallow at first, but actually you then realize she's been covering something up all the way through, as have most people in the series.'

Whitstable Pearl cast — Rohan Nedd as Charlie...

Rohan Nedd plays Pearl's son Charlie who helps her run the family's restaurant. Rohan's biggest role to date was playing Mike in the 2018 Netflix drama Safe, alongside Michael C Hall, Amanda Abbington, Marc Warren and Freddie Thorp. He's also had smaller parts in Doctor Who and Midsomer Murders. He also stars in the crime drama Harry Wild Investiagates.

Whitstable Pearl cast — who else is starring?

Sophia Del Pizzo plays DS Nikki Martel who'll become a key acquaintance of Pearl's on the local Kent police force. Sophia is an English born actress and comedian who now lives in Los Angeles and is known for her roles in Angel Has Fallen and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Also look out for Cathy Tyson (Band of Gold, Mona Lisa) who appears in a couple of episodes as a local character called Tina Rowe. 

The Whitstable Pearl locations and filming...

Whitstable is a gorgeous 16th century seaside resort in Kent, known for its native oysters. However the series deals with the friction between the Whitstable locals and the wealthy city dwellers who have moved in and tried to gentrify the traditional town. While much of the location filming is in and around Whitstable itself, there have also been outdoor scenes filmed at Ramsgate harbour, Margate and Cliftonville.

'Most filming was on location, but Pearl’s restaurant is a beautifully designed set,' reveals Kerry Godliman. 'A proper chef coached us on knife skills, to look like we know what we’re doing and don’t chop our digits off! 

'In episode one there’s a fight in the sea. A double did all the water stuff, but because it’s hard to cut between shots, when I did it I basically did everything the double did. It was absolutely freezing but really exciting because it felt like a proper action scene.

'I really loved filming in Whitstable. I’m in South London and it’s quicker for me to get to Whitstable than to my mum and dad in North London! I’d been to Whitstable for day trips before, but didn’t know it very well. I really grew to love it and by the end I was on Rightmove every day!'

Frances Barber says: 'I've been to Whitstable several times — I filmed here many years ago for a short film. But I've been here lots of times to have oysters, of course. It's a gorgeous place. I mean, it just feels so lovely, as a Londoner to be by the sea. So, I couldn't be happier that we're filming here.'

Whitstable Pearl episode guide...

Here's a brief guide to all six episodes of Whitstable Pearl...

Whitstable Pearl 1.01: The Free Waters 
Restaurant owner Pearl Nolan discovers the body of her friend and oyster supplier chained to the anchor of his ship. The police, led by out-of-towner Chief Inspector Mike McGuire, believe it was an accident, but Pearl, who also runs a private detective agency, suspects foul play. 

Whitstable Pearl 1.02: Random Acts 
Working with local cop DS Nikki Martel (Sophia Del Pizzo), Mike investigates the death of a diabetic estate agent force-fed marmalade. When a woman hires Pearl to look into a large sum of cash left in her mailbox, Pearl discovers Whitstable may have a mysterious benefactor—but are they connected to the murder? 

Whitstable Pearl 1.03: Civil War
When a recently retired DCI is shot dead during an English Civil War reenactment, Mike immediately suspects the victim’s wife, but she hires Pearl to find out if someone could be targeting her, too. Pearl and Mike plan a date, but a miscommunication puts them at odds.

Whitstable Pearl 1.04: Disappearance at Oare
Pearl agrees to help a woman who received a note claiming her missing husband did not die from suicide. Pearl connects the case to a grief-counselling church group and a drowning years ago. As Christmas approaches, Mike sinks into a depression, despite taking on a new flat in Whitstable.

Whitstable Pearl 1.05: A Cup O’ Kindness
When a mother takes her daughter out for a boat ride despite the father’s wishes, the boat starts taking on water and the two need to be rescued. Was it an accident, or were they targeted? Pearl investigates while Mike tries to enjoy his time off from police duty in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve.

Whitstable Pearl 1.06: The Man on The Blue Plaque
A 30-year-old skeleton washes up on the shore, and the victim has a very personal connection to Pearl. Pearl’s budding romance with Mike is threatened when he identifies a suspect close to home.

Whitstable Pearl — behind the scenes trailer

A fantastic behind the scenes trailer for Whitstable Pearl has just  been released featuring some great insights from Whitstable Pearl author Julie Wassmer, plus main cast Kerry Godliman, Frances Barber and Howard Charles.

The Whitstable Pearl novels…

The TV series Whitstable Pearl is based on the best-selling novels The Whitstable Pearl Mystery and Disappearance at Oare by Julie Wassmer. Before releasing her autobiography More Than Just Coincidence, which tells how 20 years earlier a twist of fate reunited her with the daughter she’d given up for adoption when she was a teenager, Julie was a celebrated television drama writer. She worked on hit TV series such as London’s Burning and Family Affairs plus wrote EastEnders for 20 years.

Fans of British and International television have an exciting October to look forward to on Acorn TV. This month the multiple award-winning Australian crime series Mystery Road returns to the streamer as well as the as the Scandinavian psychological and character-driven crime thriller Darkness: Those Who Kill, which aired last year on BBC4.

You’ll also be able to catch the Acorn TV Original The Sounds this month along with Heavenly Gardens, a portrait of six of Britain's most spectacular, sacred gardens visited by countryman and garden aficionado Alexander Armstrong and garden designer Arit Anderson.

Here’s the full rundown of what you can look forward to in October:

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 October 5 

THE SOUNDS (Acorn TV Original Series, Commissioned) – Episode 7 of 8

In this riveting, twisty psychological thriller, Rachelle Lefevre (Proven Innocent, Under the Dome) and Matt Whelan (The Luminaries, Narcos) star as a married Canadian couple who moves halfway around the world to a small idyllic town in New Zealand to start a new life –to escape the husband’s wealthy, oppressive father and launch his own business venture - a sustainable salmon fishery- that will help revive the local troubled economy, but not everyone in the community welcomes the change.  When Tom Cabbott (Whelan) disappears after he goes out kayaking, unsettling facts about him soon come to light, and the search for him brings long-buried wounds to the surface.  As wife Maggie (Lefevre) struggles to navigate the escalating events, it becomes clear that in this small, seemingly close-knit community of Pelorus, nothing and no one are quite what they seem. As it turns out, the couple chose the wrong town for their happy ending. The series is created and written by international bestselling novelist, Sarah-Kate Lynch (Blessed Are the Cheesemakers.)

 BLOODLINES

This television thriller reveals the true story of one of the most evil crimes in New Zealand history. In November 1999, the head of Psychiatry at Otago Hospital, Dr Colin Bouwer (Mark Mitchinson, High Road, Mystery Road), thought he was clever enough to commit the perfect murder, and he almost got away with it. He wanted his wife, Annette (Nathalie Boltt, Riverdale), out of the way and over three months slowly poisoned her with insulin, causing a slow and painful death watched by helpless family and friends. Believing medical authorities and police were not smart enough to ever catch him, this “Dr. Death” almost got away with murder. But he was detected by Andrew Bowers (Craig Hall, A Place To Call Home), a young consultant physician, who never expected that he would stumble upon a murder in process. It was down to Bowers and Detective Brett Roberts (Will Hall, Netherwood), whose dogged pursuit of the truth eventually uncovered Annette Bouwer’s cold-blooded murder by her husband, an evil man with a Mensa IQ who thought he was smarter than anyone else in New Zealand. (Movie, 2010)

THE GULF

This psychological thriller series captures the moral disintegration of Detective Jess Savage (Kate Elliott, Wentworth), who investigates crimes in Waiheke Island, New Zealand. After losing her memory in a car crash that killed her husband, Jess becomes determined to bring the killer to justice. Convinced that someone is trying to kill her because of something she has uncovered in a recent investigation, she in effect begins investigating herself, retracing her steps over the weeks prior. As her colleagues become increasingly uncooperative, Jess suffers from paranoia, while starting to fight an addiction to morphine. As she gets closer to the truth she so desperately seeks, Jess discovers that her world is not so morally black and white. The personal story of Jess and the revelation of it to her and the audience is complex and intriguing, which dovetails seamlessly with three intriguing criminal cases that have a major impact on her career. (6 EPS, 2019)

TALES OF IRISH CASTLES

This six part series explores the great stories, legends and characters associated with the most beautiful, notorious and historical castles across Ireland - in Dublin, Trim, Blarney, Limerick, Carrickfergus, Kilkenny, Birr and more. Hosted by Simon Delaney, the series takes the audience on an incredible journey throughout the island of Ireland – where more castles were built than in the rest of the British Isles combined.  From the imposing Anglo-Norman strongholds of the 13th and 14th centuries (e.g. Trim, Carrickfergus and King John’s), to the more modest tower houses of the 15th and 16th centuries (e.g. Clonony and Leap) and to the lavish fortified houses of the 17th and 18th centuries (Tullynally, Ashford), Irish castles have provided the backdrop for countless bloody battles, savage sieges, haunting happenings and lavish lifestyles over the years. The series documents these magnificent stone structures and the stories contained within their walls, bringing them to life through specially shot re-enactments, archive footage and contributions from Ireland’s leading historians, archaeologists, castle owners and inhabitants. (6 EPS, 2014)

October 12

MYSTERY ROAD, Series 2 (Acorn TV Original series) – Episodes 1 and 2 of 6

Aaron Pedersen (Jack Irish, A Place to Call Home) reprises his signature role as Indigenous detective Jay Swan in this beautifully-filmed, acclaimed mystery set in the Australian outback. When a body is found in the mangroves of a coastal town of Gideon, Jay teams up with local constable Fran Davis (Jada Alberts, Wentworth) to investigate the crime. Soon a nearby archaeologist (Sofia Helin, The Bridge) makes a find that could help with the case, but she conceals it for fear of shutting down her dig site. Facing obstruction at every turn and a rising body count, Jay must expose the web of corruption plaguing the town. Voted Most Popular Drama at the 2019 Logie Awards and winner of five AACTA Awards, including Best Television Drama Series, as well as awards from the Australian Directors Guild and the Australian Writers’ Guild. (6 EPS, 2020)

THE SOUNDS (Acorn TV Original Series, Commissioned) – Episode 8 – SERIES FINALE!

See series description above (1 EP, 2020)

THE LABOURS OF ERICA, Series 1 and 2

In this classic Britcom, Erica (Brenda Blethyn, Vera) realizes that she has so far spent her life only looking after other people. Since the death of her husband on their wedding night, she has divided the time between the needs of her son, Jeremy (Paul Spurrier, Eullenia) and her boss, Dexter (Geoffrey Davies, Doctor in the House) with who she’s been having an unsatisfactory affair for the past 12 years. Now Jeremy is 16 and is a managing director of a successful computer company and Dexter wants love, involvement and passion - like her, but with as many women as possible. Within a few hours, Erica gives up her lover, her job and her chances of marriage. Then she finds her teenage diary containing a list of “Twelve things I am going to do before I am Forty.” The discovery symbolizes all the hopes and dreams she has never achieved and heralds the start of a startling change in Erica’s approach to life. (Series 1- 6 EPS, 1989; Series 2- 6 EPS, 1990)

October 19

DARKNESS: THOSE WHO KILL (Acorn TV Exclusive series, Foreign Language, with English subtitles)

This gripping Danish crime drama, which aired last year on BBC4, centers on a duo of investigators who probe a series of brutal murders combining classical investigation techniques with psychological leads to find the small hidden details that can make them understand the location and motives of the murderer and hopefully rescue their next victim. Six months after the abduction of 17-year-old Julie from the streets of Copenhagen, Detective Jan Michelsen (Kenneth M. Christensen, The Legacy) is the only one who believes she might still be alive. In a desperate attempt to keep the case alive, Jan digs into their cold case archive and comes across a missing girl who vanished under similar circumstances 10 years ago. He quickly discovers fresh evidence that eventually leads the police to retrieving her body from a lake. Jan joins forces with expert profiler Louise Bergstein (Natalie Madueño, Follow the Money) and they discover that the girl in the lake was killed 10 years ago by the same person who abducted Julie a few months back. When another girl, Emma, disappears, the pair are convinced they now have a serial killer on their hands. As Jan and Louise race against the clock to find where Julie and Emma are being held captive, more bodies are discovered across Copenhagen. Patterns of a mysterious mind begin to emerge and Jan and Louise finally start to unravel the mystery. However, all is not as it seems… (8 EPS, 2019)

MYSTERY ROAD (Acorn TV Original Series) – Episode 3 of 6

HEAVENLY GARDENS

In this BBC One series, garden aficionado Alexander Armstrong and garden designer Arit Anderson visit six spectacular sacred UK gardens that symbolize beauty, joy and hope: from The Bishop’s Palace in Somerset to Pluscarden Abbey in the Highlands of Scotland; from Cambridge University’s stunning Botanical Gardens to Alnwick Castle’s restored gardens in Northumberland; from Scone Palace’s gardens of kings in Perthshire to Sudeley Castle’s sacred connections in the Cotswolds. Alexander and Arit celebrate the significant inclusion of gardens in the spiritual world and meet the custodians of these glorious gardens to pick up gardening tips, as they get their hands dirty, discovering the very special and surprising significance of plants in each place. (2 EPS, 2020)

October 26

HOW TO MURDER YOUR WIFE

This melodramatic black comedy is the true story of Alfred Benning (Simon O'Connor, Heavenly Creatures), a seemingly mild-mannered animal welfare inspector who prowled 1970’s Wellington for feral cats and stray dogs before becoming an infamous murderer. In 1977, sixty-five year old Alf Benning decided that life was too short if he had to spend the rest of it with his overbearing wife, Elizabeth (Geraldine Brophy, King Kong) … so he decided to murder her and cut her into bits – six to be exact! A set of outlandish plans and misadventures make Alf the most unlikely murderer you will ever know, and his actions will take you on the most bizarre journey of any true story you’ll ever experience. (Movie, 2015)

MYSTERY ROAD (Acorn TV Original Series) – Episode 4 of 6

See series description above (1 EP, 2020)