BBC comedy drama Death Valley has returned for a thrilling second series, with Gwyneth Keyworth and Timothy Spall solving murder mysteries across Wales. The show, which became a phenomenal hit on BBC One and iPlayer last year, represents the broadcaster's most successful comedy launch in five years.
Return of an Unlikely Partnership
The series follows detective Janie Mallowan (Keyworth) teaming up with television performer John Chapel (Spall), who served as her childhood inspiration through his role as TV detective Caesar. The second season launches on Sunday, May 17, at 8.15pm on BBC One, with the entire box set available simultaneously on BBC iPlayer.
There are six episodes, each featuring a new murder plot set in stunning Welsh backdrops. Here is your complete guide to the filming locations featured in Death Valley Season 2.
Raglan Castle – Monmouthshire
The opening episode centres on a man discovered dead while supposedly completing community service at a historic castle. Following a period of separation, Janie and John must reunite and think outside the box to solve the case. The episode was shot at Raglan Castle in Monmouthshire, which nestles amongst stunning countryside and is described as the 'grandest castle ever built by Welshmen'.
Pembrokeshire
Episode two tracks a murder mystery in a coastal town called Abertonnau. The exterior was captured in Little Haven and Milford Haven. Harbour scenes were shot at Barry Yacht Club, while The Ship Pub is actually The White Cross Inn in Taff's Well, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Port Talbot
The third episode features a 'Game of Thrones' themed fantasy drama production when a murder occurs. Scenes were captured at Margam Castle and Country Park in Port Talbot.
St Hilary
Throughout episode four, audiences witness a killing in a commune. Janie and John must determine the perpetrator and circumstances surrounding the death. Farm scenes were shot at Coed Hills in St Hilary, a village in the Vale of Glamorgan. The outside of John's charming cottage, which appears regularly throughout the series, is likewise situated in St Hilary, while the interior is a fictional set filmed in a BBC studio.
Bridgend
The concluding episode centres on a 'whodunnit' set at a rugby club, with filming taking place at Maesteg Rugby Club in South Wales.
'Magic Locations'
In an exclusive conversation with Reach PLC, actress Gwyneth Keyworth revealed details about the real-world locations transformed into crime scenes and how the programme celebrates Welsh culture. When questioned about stunning settings, she replied: 'Yes, the castle. The geek in me was absolutely... I fall asleep listening to history podcasts, so I was like, Raglan Castle? Yes please! It was absolutely. I love that.'
She continued: 'What is great is there's an episode set in a rugby club, which, like for Welsh culture, is a big thing. You know, rugby in England is a posh-boy thing; in Wales, it's a working-class thing. My parents met in a rugby club. I used to go there every Christmas to see Santa Claus. Having things like that really felt authentic to the Welsh experience and to the Welsh culture. It is really, really magic, actually.'
'It's not just about the breathtaking landscapes, because it's evident that it's beautiful, but it's also about the little things like that, like a rugby club.'
Death Valley returns on Sunday at 8:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
