The Hairdresser Mysteries, a new BBC detective series, has launched to overwhelmingly positive reviews, with fans declaring themselves 'obsessed' after its debut on Friday, 17 July at 2pm on BBC One. Written by playwright Jim Cartwright, the series centres on Lily Petal, a talented hairdresser whose obsession with all things 1970s is matched only by her flair for styling.
Plot and Setting
After leaving the fast-paced world of an upmarket London salon, Lily relocates to a small hairdressing shop in a quiet northern market town in search of a slower pace of life. However, that plan quickly unravels when a string of suspicious deaths begins unfolding around her new home. Before long, Lily finds herself solving crimes instead of simply cutting hair, with sharp-minded assistant Clary Coombs by her side. Their unlikely detective team is completed by the town's resident busybody, Wincey, and enthusiastic Police Constable Adam, who all become caught up in a series of investigations.
Cast and Characters
Leading the cast is Sally Phillips as Lily, the fashionable salon owner whose knack for uncovering clues proves just as useful as her skills with a pair of scissors. The 56-year-old actress is widely recognised for playing Shazza throughout the Bridget Jones film series. Taking on the role of Clary is Charlotte Jordan, whose character's intelligence and eye for detail make her an invaluable partner in Lily's amateur sleuthing. The 32-year-old actress is best known to television audiences for portraying Daisy Midgeley in Coronation Street, a role she held between 2020 and 2025.
Fan Reactions
Promoting the show on Instagram, Charlotte penned: 'The Hairdresser Mysteries drops on @bbcone and @bbciplayer today with the schamazinggg @sallysmack @isunetra and @bencastlegibb. Welcome to Blosson Vale. Where everyone’s a little bit odd…and someone usually ends up dead. New episodes every Friday for the next six weeks.' After seeing her post, fans couldn't get enough and headed straight to the comment section to share their thoughts. One social media user wrote: 'So obsessed, already need another series!!' Another wrote: 'LOVING IT SO FAR!! Lily and Clary are already an ICONIC duo!!' Fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, also shared similar sentiments, with one writing: 'I guess a lot of us were just watching because it was Charlie Jordan's first job after Corrie and she was brilliant.'
Broadcast Details
The Hairdresser Mysteries airs Fridays at 2pm on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer. New episodes will be released every Friday for the next six weeks.
