Last Resort: New C5 drama sees Jason Watkins, John Hannah, and Tessa Peake-Jones team up in 'deceptively dark' murder mystery
It's "moving, funny and terrifying"
Last Resort on Channel 5 brings together a truly classy cast to play old friends on a “bucket-list” holiday which goes as wrong as it gets when a dead body turns up.
The broadcaster is really spoiling us with original dramas this year, and have already delivered Number One Fan, The Fortune, Missed Call, and The Teacher.
They are fast becoming our go-to for tense, twisty thrillers, which leave us guessing until the very end. Just so long as you can suspend disbelief.
And, trust us, this particular series looks especially good. Here’s everything you need to know about Channel 5’s new series Last Resort, including cast, plot, start date, and location.
Channel 5 announce new drama Last Resort
Last Resort is more a drama than a thriller, and the latest series to be announced by Channel 5. We have to admit, this one sounds delicious. It combines a brilliant cast, with a pretty filming location, and a compelling murder mystery.
The series follows a group of friends “thrust into the murky underbelly of a quaint seaside village”. Channel 5 describe it as a “deceptively dark tale of village life”.
Writers for the series include Marcella’s Matthew Thomas, Girl Taken‘s David Turpin, and Silent Witness’ Rebbecca Wojciechowski.
What’s the plot?
The series introduces retired librarian Gail and her sister Joy, who suffers from early-stage dementia. They set off for a fun-filled holiday meant to be Joy’s bucket-list trip, and they take their old friends Dee, and Charlie with them.
When tragedy strikes in the idyllic holiday town, the police are quick to call it an accident. However, the group of friends has other ideas… They are convinced it is murder and set out to prove it.
A synopsis tells us: “The friends dive into their own investigation with the help of Joy’s daughter Kate, and soon cross paths with DI Simon Lund. As old crimes surface and dark patterns emerge, the group finds that this seemingly idyllic resort town – with its beach walks, pub lunches, and good-natured bickering – hides something far more sinister.
“Together they must piece together one devastating mystery and track down a killer who has been hunting in this close-knit coastal community.”
How many episodes is it? When is the start date?
This series will be six episodes of an hour each. Channel 5 has not yet confirmed the start date, or if the series will drop as a boxset.
But we do know it is currently filming and set to air on Channel 5 in 2027.
Who’s in the cast of Last Resort on Channel 5?
Jonathan Creek and Men Behaving Badly star Caroline Quentin stars as retired librarian Gail. Her sister Joy, who suffers from early-stage dementia, will be portrayed by Heartbeat’s Niamh Cusack.
On filming the series, Caroline Quentin said: “I’m thrilled to be on screen with two of my long-time favourite actors Tessa Peake-Jones and Jason Watkins. With the added joy of Bronagh, Niamh, and the rest of this brilliant cast, it’s an unstoppable team! Lead writer Matthew Thomas has created something moving, funny and terrifying. It’s quite a ride!”
Grantchester’s Tessa Peake-Jones stars as their friend Dee, opposite The Game’s Jason Watkins as Charlie.
Ridley’s Bronagh Waugh plays Joy’s daughter, while Rebus’ John Hannah will portray DI Simon Lund.
The ensemble cast includes:
- The Hardacres’ Cathy Belton.
- This Is Going to Hurt’s Ella Dacres.
- Intruder’s Simon Coury.
- Little Disasters’ Chizzy Akudolu.
- Missing You’s Geff Francis.
- Brassic’s Tadhg Murphy.
- Hidden Asset’s Jane Brennan.
- Blue Lights’ Conor Mullen.
- Time’s Jonathan Harden.
- Urchin’s Karyna Khymchuk.
- The Last Duel’s Nora Nagys.
- My Battle with Blue’s Robin Maher Kavanagh.
Read more: John Hannah plays ‘burned-out detective’ in Benidorm is Murder on Channel 5, who seeks a ‘simpler life’ in Spain (but doesn’t get it)
