John Hannah Leads New Murder Mystery Series “Death in Benidorm”

The upcoming murder mystery series, Death in Benidorm, has confirmed its leading cast, with John Hannah taking on the role of a detective navigating a new life in Spain. This six-part series will premiere on the channel 5 and is anticipated to blend humor with suspense.

Announced earlier this year, Death in Benidorm features Hannah as Dennis, a detective who seeks refuge from his chaotic life in the UK by running a bar in the coastal town of Benidorm. Despite his intentions to escape his past, Dennis finds himself pulled back into detective work when tourists begin to turn up dead. His partner in these investigations is Rosa, portrayed by Carolina Bécker, a barmaid and devoted crime drama aficionado. Together, they tackle each case, balancing their amateur sleuthing with the scrutiny of local law enforcement.

The series promises a mix of Dennis’s pragmatic experience and Rosa’s extensive television knowledge, providing a unique dynamic as they unravel murder mysteries. Each episode will present a new case while showcasing the vibrant backdrop of Benidorm.

Joining Hannah and Bécker in the cast are Ariadna Cabrol as Maria and Damian Schedler Cruz as Jesús. The show is created by Ian Jarvis, recognized for his work on The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin and Beyond Paradise. Directing the series is Simon Delaney, known for his previous work on Death in Paradise. Additional writers include Yasmine Akram (Flack), Claire Downes (The Outlaws), and Tom Parry (Your Christmas or Mine).

Greg Barnett, commissioning editor for 5, expressed enthusiasm about casting Hannah, stating, “I am thrilled to have John Hannah on board. He’s absolutely perfect for the role of Dennis – a character with sharp intellect, dry wit, and life experience.” This sentiment reflects the expectations surrounding the show, which aims to resonate with viewers through its engaging storytelling and character development.

The announcement of Death in Benidorm came in July 2023, alongside the commissioning of other new series such as Cooper and Fry and Imposter, as well as the renewal of popular shows like The Teacher and The Madame Blanc Mysteries.

As audiences await the series premiere, Death in Benidorm stands out as a promising addition to the crime drama landscape, blending elements of humor and mystery against the picturesque setting of the Spanish coast. The series is set to air on 5, with a release date yet to be confirmed.