BBC’s Death Valley returns for second series on May 17

The BBC crime-comedy series "Death Valley" returns for a second series, premiering on Sunday, May 17, at 8:15 p.m. on BBC One. All six episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer. The show follows the unlikely crime-solving partnership between newly promoted Detective Inspector Janie Mallowan, played by Gwyneth Keyworth, and retired actor John Chapel, portrayed by Timothy Spall.

The new season picks up a few months after the first, with Janie struggling under the pressures of her promotion. Her professional challenges are compounded by personal turmoil after discovering John has been dating her mother, Yvonne, leading Janie to distance herself from her partner. Their fractured relationship is forced back together when Janie's boss, DCI Barry Clarke, insists she bring John in as a consultant to investigate a murder within a Community Payback group.

Timothy Spall noted that the season explores an emotional journey for John, whose relationship with Yvonne takes an unexpected turn, affecting his dynamic with Janie. He described working closely with creator and writer Paul Doolan on developing the characters and their evolving partnership. Gwyneth Keyworth expressed gratitude for the...