The BBC has confirmed that The Hairdresser Mysteries, a new detective drama written by Jim Cartwright, will premiere on Friday, July 17, 2026. The six-episode series, starring Sally Phillips, is set to appeal to fans of Beyond Paradise.
Cast and Premise
The series features Sally Phillips as Lily Petal, a high-end hairdresser who leaves the competitive city scene to buy a small village salon. Charlotte Jordan plays Clary Coombs, Lily's sharp salon assistant. Ben Castle-Gibb portrays PC Adam Watson, a young constable with a fondness for Clary. Other cast members include Sunetra Sarker as Wincey Evans, Clive Rowe as Lonnie, Guy Henry as Race Runard, and Wendi Peters as newcomer Gloria Crudd.
According to the BBC synopsis, "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."
Release Details
The full series will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Friday, July 17, and will air on BBC One from 2pm that afternoon. The show is a nostalgic nod to the 1970s, produced by Mill Bay Media.
Executive producers Will Trotter and Oliver Kent said: "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."
Guest Appearances
The series will feature several guest stars, including Wendi Peters as Gloria Crudd, a newcomer determined to establish an ice cream venture. The show promises a mix of mystery and charm, with Lily using her intuition and empathy to solve local crimes.
