The series follows a national treasure and retired actor who forms an unlikely crime-solving partnership alongside a disarming Welsh detective sergeant.
Written and created by Paul Doolan, BBC Two's new murder mystery, Death Valley stars Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth and filming begins in Wales next month.
Set in Wales, Death Valley follows the unlikely crime-solving partnership between eccentric national treasure John Chapel, a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective TV show Caesar and disarming Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan.
Thrown together by the murder of John’s neighbour, John and Janie are an odd, yet hilarious duo with opposing instincts. Every week, they get to the bottom of gripping murders, with various stunning Welsh locations providing a backdrop to their investigations.
When John and Janie are not arguing about a case, they’re inevitably up in each other’s personal business. Despite their differences, they soon realise they are the closest thing each other has to a best friend, and unwittingly help one another move on from the past.
Speaking about starring in Death Valley, Timothy Spall said "I’m really looking forward to teaming up with the brilliant Gwyneth Keyworth and the fantastically talented team of creatives and technicians on this new and unique comedy drama."
"I’m relishing the prospect of getting stuck in as we embark on creating this truly oddball detective duo who develop their unusual combined eccentric skills to hilarious and surprisingly successful effect in beautiful rural Wales and its gorgeous towns and villages."
To which the BBC's Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie, added "This series has all the hallmarks of a BBC Comedy classic; it’s the perfect comedy drama caper which never forgets the funny. We feel thoroughly spoiled to have such a wonderful cast on board."
The six-part series is produced by BBC Studios Comedy, directed by Simon Hynd and Produced by Nikki Wilson with Paul Doolan, Josh Cole and Madeline Addy as executive producers.
Speaking about today's news, BBC Studios Comedy's Head of Comedy, Josh Cole, said "With a wonderful cast and Paul’s extraordinary scripts, Death Valley is a brilliantly witty and idiosyncratic take on the murder mystery."
To which BBC Wales' Head of Commissioning, Nick Andrews, added "Comedy in Wales is in terrific shape! The very best comedians, the very best writers are playing their part in establishing Wales as a very funny place. We always knew this to be true and now the rest of the UK do too. I know audiences will fall in love with these two brilliant characters as they strike up an unlikely but incredibly endearing friendship."
Death Valley will air on BBC Two