Jason Watkins, known for his role in Line of Duty, and Grantchester star Tessa Peake-Jones will lead a new Channel 5 drama titled Last Resort. The series, described as a "deceptively dark tale of village life," follows a group of friends thrust into the murky underbelly of a quaint seaside village, according to Wales Online.
Plot and Cast
The story centers 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 getaway meant to be Joy's final bucket list experience. A synopsis reveals: "But when tragedy strikes in the idyllic holiday town, the police are quick to call it an accident. However, the group are convinced it is murder and set out to prove it."
The companions launch their own investigation, recruiting Joy's daughter Kate (Bronagh Waugh) to assist, and soon encounter DI Simon Lund, played by John Hannah. As old crimes surface and dark patterns emerge, they discover that the seemingly idyllic resort town hides something far more sinister. Together, they must piece together a devastating mystery and track down a killer who has been hunting in this close-knit coastal community and beyond.
Production and Additional Cast
The series, produced by Pernel Media alongside Peer Pressure and Studiocanal, is currently in production. The cast also includes Cathy Belton from The Hardacres, Chizzy Akudolu from Little Disasters, and Geff Francis of Woman in the Wall and Midsomer Murders fame.
Caroline Quentin expressed her 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! Pernel are producing some of the most exciting drama out there at the moment so this is one to watch." She described Last Resort as "moving, funny and terrifying," adding: "It's quite a ride!"
Executive Comments
Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer at Channel 5, commented: "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.
