Channel 5 has unveiled a new drama series titled Last Resort, described as a "deceptively dark tale of village life" featuring a star-studded cast including Jason Watkins (Line of Duty) and Tessa Peake-Jones (Grantchester). The series is set to air in 2027.
Plot and Setting
The show follows retired librarian Gail (Caroline Quentin), her sister Joy (Niamh Cusack) who suffers from early-stage dementia, and old friends Dee (Tessa Peake-Jones) and Charlie (Jason Watkins) as they embark on a holiday intended as Joy's bucket list trip. The 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."
As the friends investigate with the help of Joy's daughter Kate (Bronagh Waugh), they encounter DI Simon Lund, played by John Hannah. The official description states: "As old crimes surface and dark patterns emerge, the group of friends finds that this seemingly idyllic resort town – with its beach walks, pub lunches, and good-natured bickering - hides something far more sinister. Together they must piece together one devastating mystery and track down a killer who has been hunting in this close–knit coastal community and beyond."
Cast and Production
The series is produced by Pernel Media in association with Peer Pressure and Studiocanal, currently filming with additional cast including Cathy Belton (The Hardacres), Chizzy Akudolu (Little Disasters), and Geff Francis (Woman in the Wall and Midsomer Murders). 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" and added, "It’s quite a ride!"
Industry Reactions
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, noted that the series is a "gripping mystery with strong international commercial potential, and a story that will keep audiences guessing until the very end."
