Leeds actress stars in 'original odd couple' Channel 5 detective series

We are more used to seeing her in Dr Who - but now Leeds-born actress Mandip Gill is sharpening up her detective skills for new Channel 5 series.

- by Nicola Adam

Robert James-Collier as DC Ben Cooper and Mandip Gill as DC Diana Fry.

Double-act detective series have long been a staple of British television, with shows like Dempsey and Makepeace, Inspector Morse and Sherlock.

Now, a new series called Cooper and Fry, starring Mandip and Robert James-Collier, is joining the ranks of these mismatched detectives.

Set in the mystery-shrouded Peak District, the four-part series, based on the novels by Stephen Booth, follows the affable local DC Ben Cooper, played by James-Collier, and the guarded newcomer DC Diane Fry (Mandip).

Thrown together to investigate a string of mysterious deaths, they must learn to work together to get results. As their personal lives begin to intertwine, a unique friendship begins to form.

The series adapts four of Booth's early novels including Black Dog, Dying to Sin, Blind To the Bones and Dancing with the Virgins.

Mandip, 37, best known for her role as Yasmin Khan in Doctor Who, said she was drawn to the series because, despite the characters' different backgrounds, they share a surprising number of similarities.

"It's about two police officers who get on quite well," she said.