The odd COUPLE

TIMOTHY SPALL and GWYNETH KEYWORTH on what sets TV's latest mismatched crime-fighting duo apart

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On the August day last year that we step inside a TV studio in Cardiff where new BBC1 comedy drama Death Valley is being filmed, TV Times is delighted to find that our tour guide is the show's leading man: Timothy Spall!

The Wales-set six-parter sees the acclaimed star play retired actor John Chapel, one-time headliner of fictional whodunnit Caesar, and as he walks us through the set of his character's home, we spot mocked-up magazine covers on the wall and even a fake BAFTA trophy on the shelf.

'When I got the script, it mentioned John had a BAFTA and, at the time, I didn't!' chuckles Timothy, who scooped the Leading Actor accolade in 2024 for his role in BBC1's true-crime drama The Sixth Commandment. 'I've always fancied one, so I thought, "Well, at least I've got one in this" – and now I have the real thing!'

Death Valley begins when DS Janie Mallowan (Lost Boys & Fairies star Gwyneth Keyworth) unknowingly knocks on national treasure John's door while investigating a suspicious death nearby. Stunned to find herself face to face with her favourite TV star, Janie impulsively asks John to assist with her case. But will she regret that decision? Here, Timothy and Gwyneth give us clues about what to expect...

So, what happens when John and Janie meet for the first time?

GWYNETH A property developer has been murdered, and Janie is calling on the neighbours to see if anyone knew the deceased. But when it turns out to be John Chapel in this house, Janie momentarily forgets she's a police officer. She just sees her all-time hero, and she's like, 'Oh my God, I love you!'