Channel 5 has announced a gripping new drama titled Last Resort, featuring a star-studded cast including Line of Duty's Jason Watkins and Grantchester's Tessa Peake-Jones. The series, currently filming under the working title Last Resort, is described as a deceptively dark tale of village life, centring on a group of friends thrust into the murky underbelly of a quaint seaside village.
Plot and Characters
The story revolves around retired librarian Gail (Caroline Quentin), her sister Joy (Niamh Cusack), who is battling early-stage dementia, and long-standing friends Dee (Tessa Peake-Jones) and Charlie (Jason Watkins). They embark on a fun-filled holiday intended to fulfil Joy's bucket list. However, when tragedy strikes in the idyllic holiday town, the police quickly call it an accident. The group is convinced it is murder and sets out to prove it.
The friends take matters into their own hands, enlisting the help of Joy's daughter Kate (Bronagh Waugh), before crossing paths with DI Simon Lund, portrayed by John Hannah. As old crimes surface and dark patterns emerge, the group finds that this seemingly idyllic resort town—with its beach walks, pub lunches, and good-natured bickering—hides something far more sinister. Together they must piece together one devastating mystery and track down a killer who has been hunting in this close-knit coastal community and beyond.
Cast and Production
The series is produced by Pernel Media in partnership with Peer Pressure and Studiocanal. The cast also features Cathy Belton from The Hardacres, Chizzy Akudolu from Little Disasters, and Geff Francis of Woman in the Wall and Midsomer Murders fame.
Caroline Quentin expressed her excitement: "I'm thrilled to be on screen with two of my long-time favourite actors Tessa Peake-Jones and Jason Watkins. With the added joy of Bronagh, Niamh, and the rest of this brilliant cast, it's an unstoppable team!" She described Last Resort as "moving, funny and terrifying," adding: "It's quite a ride!"
Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer at Channel 5, commented: "There are plenty of twists and turns in Last Resort! Pernel Media and Peer Pressure are brilliant collaborators, and with this calibre of talent onboard, Last Resort is a great addition to 5's acclaimed drama slate."
Samuel Kissous, founder and executive producer at Pernel Media, called Last Resort a "gripping mystery with strong international commercial potential, and a story that will keep audiences guessing until the very end."
Air Date
Last Resort is set to air on Channel 5 in 2027.
