Channel 5 has released first-look images for its upcoming sun-soaked crime series, 'Benidorm is Murder', which is set to captivate fans of the beloved BBC drama 'Death in Paradise'.
A New Twist on the Cosy Crime Genre
While 'Death in Paradise' follows detectives solving crimes on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, 'Benidorm is Murder' centres on a "burned-out detective" investigating suspicious deaths in Spain. The series, described as a "cosy" comedy thriller, stars John Hannah as Dennis, a former police officer who has swapped life in the UK for a laid-back existence running a bar in Benidorm.
According to the official synopsis, things take a sinister turn when tourists begin dying, and Dennis is "reluctantly drawn back into detective work - egged on by his barmaid Rosa, a crime drama superfan." The duo's dynamic combines Dennis's real-world experience with Rosa's encyclopaedic TV knowledge, as they tackle a new murder in paradise each episode while staying on the right side of the local Spanish police.
Cast and Characters
First-look images released by 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 the "formidable" DS Maria Hernandez and Damian Schedler Cruz as rookie PC Jesús Ballesteros.
The series also features a host of guest stars, including Denise Welch, Alistair McGowan, and Tamzin Outhwaite. John Hannah, known for films such as 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' and 'The Mummy' trilogy, shared his experience making the series on Instagram, declaring: "THE BEST TIME!" Tamzin Outhwaite added: "Had a wonderful time filming this."
Behind the Scenes
Greg Barnett, commissioning editor at Channel 5, expressed his excitement: "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.
