Coronation Street star Charlotte Jordan and Bridget Jones's Diary actress Sally Phillips headline the new BBC cosy crime series The Hairdresser Mysteries, set to premiere on Friday, 17 July 2026. The six-episode drama, created by Jim Cartwright, follows high-end hairdresser Lily Petal (Phillips) as she leaves the city for a village salon at the top of a cobbled street.
Plot and Cast
An official synopsis describes the show as 'an original, homegrown drama and a nostalgic nod to the 70s'. Lily becomes the hub of village secrets, using her intuitive hairdressing skills to solve mysteries. Jordan plays Clary Coombs, Lily's intelligent and analytical salon assistant. The ensemble also includes Ben Castle-Gibb (You), Sunetra Sarker (Ackley Bridge), Guy Henry (Holby City), and Wendi Peters (Coronation Street).
Cast Reactions
Jordan, who played Daisy Midgeley on Coronation Street for five years, said: 'How uplifting and life-affirming the show is. I think the world has become a little cynical in recent years, so it's important to have entertainment that brings people together with the aim to uplift and spark joy, even if it's a silly thing that makes you laugh – laugh at us, we welcome it!'
Phillips praised Sarker's comedy performance, noting: 'Sunetra Sarker's comedy chops. She's not done comedy before. She's absolutely hilarious - never misses a beat.' She described the series as 'a cosy crime show meets the Vicar of Dibley, but it's truly like a televisual jukebox, firing on every cylinder to make you feel good by the end.' Phillips added that Cartwright included actors from his drama college, set up to help working-class actors enter the industry.
Release Details
The Hairdresser Mysteries will air on BBC One on Friday, 17 July 2026. The show aims to cheer up audiences on a Sunday night, blending cosy crime with feel-good entertainment.
