The The Last Detectives first look has arrived, and it suggests the BBC may have another standout crime drama on its hands. Set against the postcard-perfect coastline of Tenby, Wales, the new series blends murder investigations with friendship, later-life purpose and the kind of buried secrets that make small-town mysteries irresistible viewing.
Formerly titled Old Town Murders, The Last Detectives comes from writer Matthew Barry and producer Nicola Shindler’s Quay Street Productions. With a seasoned cast led by Mark Lewis-Jones and Steffan Rhodri, the drama is already attracting attention as one of the BBC’s most intriguing upcoming titles in the TV & Video space.
The Last Detectives first look reveals a character-driven BBC crime drama
The newly released images introduce the investigative team at the centre of the series, which follows a string of murder cases unfolding in and around Tenby. But the appeal of The Last Detectives first look is not just the crimes themselves. The BBC is positioning the show as a police procedural with emotional weight, grounded in companionship and personal reinvention.
At the heart of the drama are:
- DI Glyn Walsh, played by Mark Lewis-Jones
- DS Sion Dearden, played by Steffan Rhodri
- DC Remy Jones, played by Bethan-Mary James
- DC Neil Miller, played by Jordan Davies
- Pamela Thomas, forensic biologist, played by Julie Graham
According to the early synopsis, Walsh and Dearden share an instinctive bond that becomes essential as they work through complex cases, sharp turns and long-hidden truths beneath Tenby’s picturesque surface. That pairing could prove to be the emotional engine of the show.
Cast, creators and the team behind the series
One reason The Last Detectives first look is generating buzz is the talent involved both on screen and behind the camera. The series is produced by Nicola Shindler, whose Quay Street Productions has built a reputation for distinctive British drama.
Writer Matthew Barry described the project as a story about finding friendship and meaning in later life through the frame of a gripping police procedural. That tonal mix matters. It suggests this will not be a standard whodunit, but a crime series more interested in character depth and lived experience.
Key creative credits include:
- Matthew Barry as writer and executive producer
- Hannah Daniel writing episode four
- Andy Newbery directing episodes one to four and executive producing
- Rhys Carter directing episodes five and six
- Guy Hescott as series producer
- Davina Earl and Nicola Shindler executive producing for Quay Street
- Rebecca Ferguson executive producing for the BBC
The show is backed by ITV Studios and supported by Creative Wales, underlining the scale of confidence behind the production.
Why Tenby is the perfect backdrop for a modern murder mystery
If there is one thing The Last Detectives first look makes instantly clear, it is that location will be central to the series’ identity. Tenby is one of Wales’ most visually striking coastal towns, known for its harbour, colourful buildings and dramatic shoreline. That beauty creates a compelling contrast with the darkness of a crime narrative.
Crime dramas often thrive when place feels like a character in its own right, and this series appears to understand that well. Filming took place in Tenby, Cardiff and along the South Wales coastline, giving the production a strong sense of regional texture.
Expect the setting to offer:
- A distinctive visual identity that separates the show from urban police procedurals
- A close-knit community atmosphere where secrets feel more dangerous
- A layered Welsh cultural backdrop that adds realism and mood
For viewers who enjoy atmospheric detective shows, that setting could be a major draw.
What makes The Last Detectives different from other BBC crime series?
The current TV landscape is crowded with police dramas, so any new title needs a clear angle. Based on The Last Detectives first look, this series may stand out in several ways.
1. A later-life perspective
Matthew Barry has framed the story around friendship and meaning in later life. That gives the series a human dimension that could resonate beyond traditional crime audiences.
2. A strong detective partnership
Rather than relying solely on procedural mechanics, the show seems built around the chemistry and trust between Glyn Walsh and Sion Dearden.
3. Welsh identity and landscape
While British crime drama often returns to familiar city settings, this production leans into Welsh locations, local texture and coastal mystery.
4. Prestige production pedigree
With Quay Street Productions, BBC backing and experienced directors attached, the series arrives with the kind of creative support often associated with breakout hits.
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Final thoughts on The Last Detectives first look
The early signs are promising. The Last Detectives first look points to a thoughtful BBC crime drama that balances murder-case intrigue with character, place and emotional depth. With Steffan Rhodri, Mark Lewis-Jones and a strong supporting cast leading the way, the series has the ingredients to become a notable addition to the UK television slate.
For fans of atmospheric mysteries, Welsh drama and detective stories with genuine heart, The Last Detectives first look is more than a teaser. It is a strong hint that the BBC may be preparing its next must-watch crime series.
