The Last Detectives on BBC One: 'Gripping' police procedural set on the Welsh coast stars Mark Lewis Jones and Steffan Rhodri
The two detectives find a new beginning after they are thrust together by circumstance...
The Last Detectives is a brand new BBC One police procedural drama that brings together a largely Welsh cast for a “succession of murder cases”.
The six-parter, renamed from its original title of Old Town Murders, introduces a new team of detectives who investigate a string of grisly murder cases set against the striking backdrop of Tenby.
And the BBC has now released the first-look pictures, which show cast including Mark Lewis-Jones, Steffan Rhodri, and Julie Graham.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming police drama The Last Detectives, including plot, cast, filming locations, and start date.
What is the plot of The Last Detectives on BBC One?
The Last Detective introduces a new team of detectives at the heart of the series. Together they investigate a succession of murder cases set against the striking backdrop of Tenby. Leading the charge are old-timers and investigative partners DI Glyn Walsh and DS Sion Dearden.
Their “instinctive understanding of one another” proves invaluable as they navigate complex cases, unexpected twists and long-buried secrets lurking beneath the town’s surface.
With each case spanning across two episodes, the drama “explores themes of new beginnings and second chances” as the team confront fresh challenges, personal crossroads and truths that refuse to stay buried.
BBC One says the crime series is “brimming with wit, humour and grounded in character”.
Where was The Last Detectives filmed?
The upcoming police drama is set in Tenby, against the stunning backdrop of the Pembrokeshire coastline in Wales. The series was filmed in Tenby, Cardiff and along the South Wales Coastline.
It received Welsh Government support via Creative Wales.
Welsh-born writer and executive producer Matthew Barry said: “I’m beyond excited to be re-teaming with Quay Street and the BBC to bring The Last Detectives to the screen. It’s a story about finding friendship and meaning in later life, through the lens of a thrilling police procedural. I can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with Sion, Glyn and the stunning backdrop of Tenby.”
How many episodes is it?
The series is six episodes of an hour each.
Matthew Barry wrote, created and executive produced the drama, and he’s best known for Men Up, and The Guest.
Who’s in the cast of The Last Detectives on BBC One?
Mark Lewis Jones leads the cast as DI Glyn Walsh. He’s best known for starring opposite actress Eve Myles in Keeping Faith. He portrayed brooding Steve Baldini from 2017 to 2021.
Other big roles recently have included Gruffudd Prosser in The Red King, Glynn in The Way, Rhys in The Light in the Hall, and Charles Hullighan in Jimmy Savile drama The Reckoning. In 2024, Mark put in a moving performance as Donny’s abused dad Gerry in Baby Reindeer.
Fellow Welsh actor Steffan Rhodri stars as DS Sion Dearden. He’s famous for playing DCI Barry Clarke in Death Valley, Dave Coaches in Gavin & Stacey, and Judge Gwyn Daniels in Keeping Faith.
The two detectives find a new beginning after they are thrust together by circumstance.
The Guest actress Bethan Mary-James is DC Remy Jones, opposite Jordan Davies’ DC Neil Miller.
Julie Graham completes the cast as forensic biologist Pamela Thomas. Of course she’s known for her roles in This City is Ours, The Hardacres, Time, Trigger Point, and Shetland.
When is the start date?
BBC One has not yet confirmed the start date for The Last Detectives.
However, they have teased that it’s coming soon.
