Fans of Beyond Paradise seeking their next detective fix are in luck, as a fresh BBC crime drama is set to arrive. The Hairdresser Mysteries, penned by Jim Cartwright, has unveiled an initial glimpse at the nostalgic 1970s-set series while confirming its impressive ensemble cast.
Cast and Characters
Bridget Jones' Diary icon Sally Phillips takes the lead role as hairdresser Lily Petal, who abandons the cutthroat metropolitan scene to purchase a modest village salon situated at the summit of a cobbled street. Alongside Sally, 56, is Coronation Street favourite Charlotte Jordan, portraying Clary Coombs – Lily's 'bright and analytical assistant and the Watson to her Shear-lock Holmes'. You actor Ben Castle-Gibb assumes the role of PC Adam Watson, an enthusiastic young constable in the village who becomes smitten with salon assistant Clary.
Ackley Bridge star Sunetra Sarker portrays Wincey Evans, the village's resident busybody with a well-earned reputation for spreading gossip. Clive Rowe takes on Lonnie, the theatrical manager of the local charity shop. Holby City's Guy Henry plays Race Runard, the village's quirky antiques dealer with an obsession for valuable teacup and saucer collections. Additional cast members include Coronation Street stalwart Wendi Peters, who portrays Gloria Crudd, another village newcomer seeking a clean slate with her ice cream parlour, only to discover her past pursuing her.
Plot Synopsis
A synopsis for the programme reveals: "Everyone tells their hairdresser everything and soon she becomes the hub of her new village's secrets and revelations. Using her own brand of uncannily developed hairdressing intuitive, empathy and understanding, Lily begins to solve the mysteries of the village."
Executive Producer Comments
Earlier this year, Will Trotter and Oliver Kent, Executive Producers for Mill Bay Media, commented on the new series: "We are thrilled to be making The Hairdresser Mysteries and working with renowned writer, Jim Cartwright, who has created a joyful world packed with colourful characters. None more so than hairdresser, Lily Petal, and we are delighted to have much-loved actor, Sally Phillips bring her to life."
Meanwhile, Herbert L. Kloiber, CEO Night Train Media and Eccho Rights, stated: "We are delighted to bring The Hairdresser Mysteries to the international stage. The unique world that Jim Cartwright has created – modern but joyfully retro – and Sally Phillips' irresistible charm, create a fun drama that is both clever and comforting. It is exactly the kind of premium yet accessible series that we are looking to develop, offering buyers a fresh spin on the cosy crime genre that they have been crying out for."
The Hairdresser Mysteries comes to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this July.
