Channel 5 has announced a new drama titled Last Resort, featuring Jason Watkins from Line of Duty and Tessa Peake-Jones from Grantchester. The series is described as a "deceptively dark tale of village life" that follows a group of friends thrust into the murky underbelly of a quaint seaside village.
Plot Overview
The story centres on retired librarian Gail (Caroline Quentin), her sister Joy (Niamh Cusack), who has early-stage dementia, and longtime friends Dee (Tessa Peake-Jones) and Charlie (Jason Watkins). They embark on a holiday meant to be Joy's ultimate bucket list adventure. However, when tragedy strikes in the idyllic town, police call it an accident, but the group believes it is murder and begins their own investigation.
They enlist the help of Joy's daughter Kate (Bronagh Waugh) and soon cross paths with DI Simon Lund, played by John Hannah. As old crimes surface, the friends uncover a sinister side to the resort town, piecing together a mystery to track down a killer hunting in the close-knit coastal community and beyond.
Cast and Production
The series is produced by Pernel Media in association with Peer Pressure and Studiocanal. Additional cast includes Cathy Belton (The Hardacres), Chizzy Akudolu (Little Disasters), and Geff Francis (Woman in the Wall, Midsomer Murders). Filming is currently underway.
Caroline Quentin expressed excitement: "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!" She described Last Resort as "moving, funny and terrifying" and added, "It's quite a ride!"
Channel 5's Excitement
Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer at Channel 5, said: "There are plenty of twists and turns in Last Resort! Pernel Media and Peer Pressure are brilliant collaborators, and with this calibre of talent onboard, Last Resort is a great addition to 5's acclaimed drama slate."
Samuel Kissous, founder and executive producer at Pernel Media, described the series as a "gripping mystery with strong international commercial potential, and a story that will keep audiences guessing until the very end."
Last Resort is set to air on Channel 5 in 2027.
