Old Town Murders: New BBC Crime Series Stars Mark Lewis Jones & Steffan Rhodri

Welsh actors Mark Lewis Jones and Steffan Rhodri are set to lead the cast of “Old Town Murders,” a new six-part crime drama commissioned by the BBC, set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The series, described as “witty and twisty,” will follow the pair as detectives investigating a series of perplexing murders in the seaside town of Tenby, West Wales.

The announcement was made on April 2, 2026, with the series being a co-commission between BBC Cymru Wales and Quay Street Productions. Matthew Barry, known for his work on “Men Up” and “The Guest,” wrote, created, and will executive produce the drama.

A Story of Friendship and Second Chances

Jones and Rhodri will play DI Glyn Walsh and DS Sion Dearden, respectively. The characters are described as old friends and partners who find new purpose in their work after facing personal hardships. The series centers on their dynamic as they navigate both professional and personal lives, including living under the same roof, while solving a string of baffling murder cases.

According to the BBC, “Old Town Murders” explores themes of finding meaning, purpose, and hope later in life through friendship and solving crime. The backdrop of modern-day Tenby is intended to provide a visually stunning setting for the unfolding mysteries.

The Cases They’ll Tackle

The initial case will involve the murder of an esteemed university professor, leading the detectives on an investigation into the underbelly of the local university. Beyond that, the series will present a variety of intriguing cases, including the poisoning of a local head teacher who drowns while wild swimming, and a case of mistaken identity during a triathlon.

The series promises a blend of humor and suspense as Walsh and Dearden work to unravel these complex mysteries.

Cast and Crew

In addition to Jones and Rhodri, the cast includes James Bamford (“The Red King”) as DC Neil Miller, Bethan Mary-James (“The Guest”) as DC Remy Jones, and Catherine Ayers (“Keeping Faith”) as Chief Superintendent Melanie Morris. Julie Graham (“This City is Ours”) also stars.

Matthew Barry expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that he wrote the series specifically for Jones and Rhodri after their collaboration on “Men Up.” He added, “I can’t wait for them, alongside the rest of our incredible cast, to bring these characters to life.”

BBC Cymru Wales’ Vision

Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, described “Old Town Murders” as a series where “picture perfect Wales meets murder mystery.” He highlighted the show’s potential to captivate audiences with its unique blend of setting and suspense.

The six-part drama (6×60) is expected to deliver a charming and engaging crime series, grounded in character development and offering a fresh perspective on the genre. Production is underway, and the series is anticipated to be a significant addition to the BBC’s crime drama lineup.

Mark Lewis Jones has recently appeared in “Baby Reindeer” and “The Crown,” while Steffan Rhodri is known for his roles in “Steeltown Murders” and “Men Up.” Their combined experience and chemistry are expected to be a key element of the series’ success.