Death Valley series 2: Episode 1 guest cast includes Absolutely Fabulous legend and EastEnders star
A star of a Channel 4 cult classic also makes an appearance
Death Valley is finally back with series 2, and this week’s guest cast includes stars from Absolutely Fabulous, EastEnders, and a forgotten British cult classic.
DI Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) and John Chapel (Timothy Spall) have returned to solve a new batch of small-town murders. Yes, you read that right: Janie has been promoted!
However, she isn’t too happy about having to work with John, given that he’s started dating her mother (played by Melanie Walters). Nevertheless, they team up to figure out the truth behind the death of a man during his community service.
Beyond the same stars from the first series, Death Valley series 2 episode 1 features a guest cast of recognisable faces – and here’s who you should know.
Death Valley series 2 episode 1 cast: Hammed Animashaun as Warren Medwin
SNL UK’s Hammed Animashaun is one of the first actors to appear on-screen in Death Valley series 2 episode 1. His character, Warren Medwin, is part the community service group when this week’s victim is found dead.
The 35-year-old has proven himself to be a formidable comedic talent over the past few years. His other BBC series, Black Ops, saw him nominated for a BAFTA.
His credits include Black Mirror, starring alongside The Inbetweeners’ Joe Thomas in The Festival, and a substantial role in Amazon’s The Wheel of Time, in which he plays Loial.
He also appeared in one episode of David Mitchell’s superb Ludwig. Of late, the London-born star has been busy on Saturday Night Live UK.
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His extensive on-stage experience (including an Olivier Award nomination for his performance in 2025’s Dealer’s Choice) helped him prepare for SNL.
“You’ve got to find that balance between performing for the audience and performing for people on TV, which is a skill that we’re all learning and perfecting in real time,” he told The Culture Crypt.
Jane Horrocks as Polly Trevor
Jane Horrocks stars as Polly Trevor, the leader of the community service group in episode 1.
Absolutely Fabulous fans should recognise her immediately, given she was part of the show’s core line-up alongside Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, and Julia Sawalha. She memorably played Bubble, the hapless, hilarious assistant to Saunders’ Eddie.
Horrocks also took on another role in the last two series, appearing as arrogant, sarky TV presenter Katy Grin.
“Ab Fab, that was larger than life, but it still resonated with people,” she told The Telegraph in 2023.
“But you don’t get that sort of comedy any more…. that sort of comedy is these days considered a bit coarse. The tradition now is to underplay everything. It’s all about the cool irony.”
The 62-year-old lent her signature voice to Chicken Run, too, playing the beloved Babs (“I don’t want to be a pie… I don’t like gravy”). You may have also seen her in The Witches, The Amazing Mrs Pritchard, and COBRA.
Death Valley series 2 episode 1 cast: Alexandra Roach as Angela Vaughan
Alexandra Roach plays one of the more unusual characters: Angela Vaughan, a local MS (Member of the Senedd) who’s also taking part in community service. Why? Because she ran her car through the front wall of a holiday home (as a protest, though, so it’s okay).
The 35-year-old has been acting since the early 2000s. Her best role to date was in Utopia, Channel 4’s phenomenal, underrated cult conspiracy thriller, in which she played Becky.
However, she’s also made appearances in some major projects. Movie-wise, she starred in Cuban Fury with Nick Frost and Chris O’Dowd, as well as 2019’s The Kid Who Would Be King.
Roach was also one of the main stars of No Offence, Channel 4’s dark, funny police procedural, playing DS Joy Freers across its three-season run.
You may have also seen her in Death in Paradise, Killing Eve, Black Mirror, Inside No. 9, and Nightsleeper. Last year, she starred alongside Sam Claflin in Harlen Coben’s Lazarus.
Hannah Daniel as Sally Morris
Hannah Daniel plays one of Death Valley series 2 episode 1’s most important characters: Sally Morris, the widowed wife of Eddie, the victim.
While her career isn’t as decorated as some of her co-stars in the guest cast, she is a recognisable actress – and for good reason.
For example, she played DCI Morgan for two years in EastEnders, plus her final appearance (to arrest Ben Mitchell, no less) in 2022. Holby City viewers should also clock her, given she played Leah Falkner (who got involved with Catherine Russell’s Serena Campbell).
The 40-year-old also appeared in The Guest and Keeping Faith.
Full cast list for Death Valley series 2 episode 1
- Gwyneth Keyworth as DI Janie Mallowan
- Timothy Spall as John Chapel
- Alexandria Riley as Helen Baxter
- Steffan Rhodri as DCI Barry Clarke
- Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry
- Melanie Walters as Yvonne Mallowan
Full guest cast
- Hammed Animashaun as Warren Medwin
- Jane Horrocks as Polly Trevor
- Alexandra Roach as Angela Vaughan
- Hannah Daniel as Sally Morris
- Jacob Ethan Tanner as Liam Jenkins
- Martin Vose as Eddie Morris
- Sera Cracroft as Café Customer
- Callum Mardy as Showroom Manager
- Rhiannon Meades as Solicitor
Read more: Death Valley on BBC One: All the filming locations, including ‘gorgeous towns and villages’
