Channel 5 has shared first look images from its upcoming detective series 'Benidorm is Murder', a 'witty and charming' addition to the cosy crime genre that will appeal to fans of 'Death in Paradise'.
Plot and Setting
While the BBC hit 'Death in Paradise' follows officers solving crimes on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, 'Benidorm is Murder' shifts the action to Spain. The series centres on Dennis, a 'burned-out detective' played by John Hannah, who has swapped his stressful UK life for a quiet existence running a bar in Benidorm.
According to an official synopsis, things take a dark turn when tourists start dying, and Dennis is reluctantly drawn back into detective work, encouraged by his barmaid Rosa, a crime drama superfan. The duo combine Dennis's real-world experience with Rosa's encyclopaedic TV knowledge to tackle a new murder each episode while staying on the right side of local Spanish police.
Cast and Characters
First look images from production company Clapperboard Studios show John Hannah as 'grumpy but secretly brilliant Dennis' alongside barmaid Rosa, played by Carolina Bécquer. Other cast members include Ariadna Cabrol as formidable DS Maria Hernandez and Damian Schedler Cruz as green new PC Jesús Ballesteros.
The series also features guest stars such as Denise Welch, Alistair McGowan, and Tamzin Outhwaite. John Hannah, known for films like 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' and 'The Mummy' trilogy, expressed his enthusiasm on Instagram, commenting: 'THE BEST TIME!' Tamzin Outhwaite added: 'Had a wonderful time filming this.'
Production and Release
Greg Barnett, commissioning editor at Channel 5, said: 'I am thrilled to have John Hannah on board. He's absolutely perfect for the role of Dennis - a character with sharp intellect, dry wit, and life experience - and from what I've seen already, viewers will fall in love with him.'
Viviane Richard, associate producer at ZDF Studios, described the show as a 'witty and charming addition to the cosy crime genre'. 'Benidorm is Murder' is set to air on Channel 5, though an exact release date has not yet been announced.
