The Hairdresser Mysteries, a new BBC detective drama series, has been likened to The Vicar of Dibley. Created by Jim Cartwright, the show has confirmed its launch date for Friday 17 July on BBC One. The series stars Bridget Jones' Diary legend Sally Phillips and Coronation Street favourite Charlotte Jordan as its central pairing.
Cast and Premiere Date
The wider cast includes You star Ben Castle-Gibb, Ackley Bridge's Sunetra Sarker, Holby City's Guy Henry, and Corrie's Wendi Peters. The eagerly awaited six-part drama is an original, homegrown production set in the 1970s.
Plot Synopsis
An official synopsis reveals: "The Hairdresser Mysteries is an original, homegrown drama and a nostalgic nod to the 70's which sees a high-end hairdresser, Lily Petal (Sally Phillips), opt out of the competitive city scene to buy a small village hairdressers at the top of a cobbled street."
"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."
Cast Insights
Charlotte Jordan, who spent five years playing Daisy Midgeley on Coronation Street, portrays Lily's intelligent and analytical salon assistant Clary Coombs. Speaking ahead of the new series, she said: "How uplifting and life-affirming the show is. I think the world has become a little cynical in recent years, so it's important to have entertainment that brings people together with the aim to uplift and spark joy, even if it's a silly thing that makes you laugh – laugh at us, we welcome it!"
Sally Phillips, who portrays the endearing hairdresser Lily Petal, added: "Sunetra Sarker's comedy chops. She's not done comedy before. She's absolutely hilarious - never misses a beat. It's also this mash-up of genres like a cosy crime show meets the Vicar of Dibley, but it's truly like a televisual jukebox, firing on every cylinder to make you feel good by the end."
Phillips also noted: "We've also had a few people from Jim's drama college in the show, who were amazing. He set it up for working class actors to help them into the industry, teach them what they need to know. Ultimately, Charlie and I just really hope that this will be something that will cheer people up on a Sunday night."
Broadcast Details
The Hairdresser Mysteries is available to watch on Friday 17 July on BBC One.
