The Hairdresser Mysteries, a new six-part BBC detective drama starring Sally Phillips, premieres today, Friday 17 July, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer and weekly broadcasts on BBC One at 2pm.
Plot and Characters
Written by Jim Cartwright, the series follows Lily Petal (Sally Phillips), a contemporary hairdresser obsessed with the 1970s who leaves her London career for a quiet shop in a northern market town. When murders begin occurring nearby, Lily turns amateur sleuth with her assistant Clary (Charlotte Jordan), aided by gossip Wincey (Sunetra Sarker) and PC Adam (Ben Castle-Gibb). Other characters include Lonnie (Clive Rowe) and Race Runard (Guy Henry).
What Makes It Different
Phillips described the show as "gossip-led, not fact-led," adding, "We don’t technically need to enforce the law upon anyone." Jordan noted, "We could keep the murderous identity to ourselves if we wished." The duo emphasized their partnership is less like Sherlock and Watson and more of a two-way teamwork.
On the appeal of cosy crime, Jordan said, "People enjoy that it’s not too dark, and there’s that communal aspect of everyone at home trying to figure it out alongside us." Phillips added, "It takes you on an emotional journey but you have the peace of knowing it will be solved. It’s like murder sudoku by way of Jim Cartwright."
Viewing Details
The Hairdresser Mysteries is available in full on BBC iPlayer, with episodes airing weekly on Fridays at 2pm on BBC One.
