Gwyneth Keyworth and Timothy Spall return with six new episodes of the murder-mystery series Death Valley, airing on BBC One and iPlayer. The unlikely duo—detective Janie Mallowan and entertainer John Chapel—reunite to solve puzzling cases across Wales.
Series Two Premise
Picking up from series one, Janie has been promoted to detective sergeant, while John is now romantically involved with her mother, straining their professional partnership. Personal tensions are set aside when they investigate a suspicious death in a community service group, after a member falls from a crumbling castle.
Authentic Welsh Backdrops
The episode was filmed at Raglan Castle, described as the most magnificent castle ever built by Welshmen, set in the scenic countryside of Usk. Keyworth expressed her enthusiasm: "The geek in me was absolutely... I fall asleep listening to history podcasts, so I was like, Raglan Castle? Yes please!"
Other locations include a coastal fishing village in Milford Haven, an eco-conscious commune, a rugby club in Bridgend, and a lavish fantasy TV production set. Keyworth highlighted how the show showcases Welsh culture: "There's an episode set in a rugby club, which, like for Welsh culture, is a big thing. Rugby in England is a posh-boy thing; in Wales, it's a working-class thing."
She added: "My parents met in a rugby club. I used to go there every Christmas to see Santa Claus. Having things like that really felt authentic to the Welsh experience and to the Welsh culture. It is really, really magic."
Port Talbot also appears as a location for one episode. Death Valley season two starts Sunday, 17 May at 8:15pm on BBC One.
