Death Valley on BBC One: Cast of 'unique comedy' led by Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth as 'mismatched detectives'
They are back for a series 2
Death Valley returns to BBC One with a series 2, and a selection of brand new murder mysteries for unlikely crime-solving pair John Chapel and Janie Mallowan to solve – so who returns in the cast?
Described as a “unique comedy drama”, the crime drama follows “eccentric national treasure” John Chapel, a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective TV show Caesar.
In series 1, he reluctantly teamed up with Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan when his neighbour was found dead. And let’s be clear here, they are BOTH very eccentric characters.
As series 2 kicks off, a community service group comes under suspicion when one of their members is pushed off the tower of a ruined castle. But John’s romantic relationship with Janie’s mother disrupts their ability to crack the case.
Here’s who plays who in the cast of BBC One comedy Death Valley series 2.
Timothy Spall plays John Chapel
TV legend Timothy Spall, 69, plays TV legend John Chapel in the cast of Death Valley on BBC One. And if that isn’t art imitating life then we don’t know what is!
In series 1, retired actor, and former star of a popular detective series, the rather conceited John Chapel was thrown into a real life mystery when his neighbour is found dead. When DS Janie Mallowan arrived to investigate the suspected suicide, John soon told her it was a murder. And when forensics proved him right, she invited him to help her crack the case. Henceforth, a wonderful partnership is born…
Of course, London-born Timothy Spall is known for his work across TV, film, and theatre in a career that spans nearly 50 years. With an OBE tucked securely under his ever-decreasing belt, the actor is perhaps best known for playing Barry Taylor in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.
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His comedic roles in TV shows include Vince in The Thing About Vince, Kevin Costello in Outside Edge with Vera‘s Brenda Blethyn, and Frank Stubbs in the series of the same name.
Period drama fans will probably recognise him as Fagin in Oliver Twist, Lord Clarence Emsworth in Blandings, and Maurice Grosse in spooky The Enfield Haunting. More hard-hitting dramas include The Sixth Commandment, where he played murder victim Peter Farquhar. In Wolf Hall, he portrayed the Duke of Norfolk.
Film fans will know he’s been in dozens of acclaimed films, such as Mr Turner, Secrets & Lies, Denial, The Damned United, and Life is Sweet. He’s also played Wormtail in the Harry Potter franchise. Of course, he’s the proud dad of Under Salt Marsh star Rafe Spall.
Death Valley on BBC One cast: Gwyneth Keyworth stars as DS Janie Mallowan
Welsh-speaking actress Gwyneth Keyworth plays ambitious young detective Janie Mallowan in the comic crime drama. In series 1, her surprise encounter with the retired actor who played her TV cop show hero changed her life – and his.
Gwyneth, 35, is probably best known for portraying Megan Ruddock in the excellent BBC crime drama Hidden. Like Death Valley, cast and crew filmed the detective series in Wales. The series ran from 2018 to 2022.
The actress, who was born in Aberystwyth, is also famous for playing Evelyn Anders in the 2021 series of Alex Rider, Noni in Welsh-language romantic drama Fflam, and Becka Cole in Dawn French sitcom The Trouble with Maggie Cole.
Between 2018 and 2019, Gwyneth starred as Danielle in Defending the Guilty, opposite Rivals actress Katherine Parkinson. Other notable roles include Lady Augusta Gresham in Doctor Thorne, Jackie in Power Monkeys, Alison in Wasted, and Ela in Bang.
Most recently, she’s portrayed Becky in 2024’s Lost Boys & Fairies. She has spoken openly about having ADHD.
Steffan Rhodri portrays DCI Barry Clarke
Swansea-born Steffan Rhodri, 59, portrays Janie Mallowan’s boss DCI Barry Clarke in the cast of Death Valley. The actor is probably best known for portraying bus driver Dave Coaches in the comedy series Gavin & Stacey. Fans will know that the character was in love with Gwen, but sadly for him it wasn’t to be… Of course Gwen actress Melanie Walters is also in Death Valley (more on her below).
Steffan has been on our screens for nearly three decades, having first appeared as Hunky in the film Twin Town opposite Dougray Scott.
He went on to play Gerry Cutler in Doctors, Vic Reed in Love Me, and Judge Gwyn Daniels in Keeping Faith. Death Valley is not the first time he’s played a copper either. In 2017, Steffan starred as DI Cleveland in Apple Tree Yard, before he played D.C.S Michael Challes in A Very English Scandal, DC Neil Jones in Manhunt, and DS Alex Blair in Wild Bill.
Other notable roles include King Hywel in The Last Kingdom, Alun in Welsh language drama Yr Amgueddfa, Jeremy in Temple, Perry in In My Skin, and Larry in We Hunt Together. He’s also known for playing Lord Hobert Hightower in House of the Dragon, Phil ‘Bach’ Rees in Steeltown Murders, Christy Pearce in Fifteen-Love, and Admiral George Kenton in Das Boot.
In 2024, Steffan portrayed Geoff in the Michael Sheen-directed civil-rest drama The Way. He’s been in multiple films, too, including Under Milk Wood, Wonder Woman, Don’t Breathe 2, and Men Up, opposite Unforgotten’s Phaldut Sharma.
Like his Death Valley co-star Timothy Spall, Stefann has also appeared in Harry Potter. He played Reg Cattermole in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
Death Valley cast: Alexandria Riley plays Helen Baxter
Actress Alexandria Riley, from Newport in South Wales, plays Helen Baxter in the cast of BBC One’s Death Valley.
The 46-year-old is probably best known for portraying Natalie Tucker in the comedy The Tuckers, or Ms Morgan in the darkly comic coming-of-age series In My Skin.
She’s been on our screens since 2017, when she played Tracy in the Welsh crime drama Bang. She went on to play Leigh in The End of the F***ing World, DI Ella Richards in The Pembrokeshire Murders, DC Anford in The Pact, and Yvonne in The Outlaws.
Between 2017 and 2023, she’s been the voice of Ng in the Torchwood: The Story Continues podcast. And you could say she’s having a pretty busy few years, having recently popped up in some seriously good dramas including Baby Reindeer, Lost Boys & Fairies, and Silo.
Melanie Walters plays Janie’s mum Yvonne in the Death Valley cast
Swansea-born actress Melanie Walters, 64, portrays Janie’s mum – aka Yvonne ‘I’m speechless’ Mallowan (although she never actually is). In series 2, she’s in a relationship with John Chapel, and Janie isn’t happy about it. And there’s the added complication of Janie’s dad turning up, too!
Of course, Gavin & Stacey fans will know the actress best for playing Stacey’s mum Gwen West in the BBC sitcom. She appeared in all three series and subsequent specials.
She’s also famous for portraying Gran in the children’s TV series Biff & Chip, based on the educational books. Other notable roles include Nain Griffiths in The Snow Spider, Kitty in Pitching In, and Genevieve in The Collection.
Melanie has been on our screens ever since 1987, when she played Milwen Parry in The District Nurse. She went on to star as Helen Powell in Welsh drama We Are Seven, Sylvie in Jack of Hearts, Bonnie Bevan in Hollyoaks, and vampire Emma in the third series of Being Human.
She’s also popped up in TV series such as Coronation Street, The Bill, Dangerfield, Holby City, Stella, Father Brown, and Doc Martin.
Death Valley cast: Rithvik Andugula plays DC Evan Chaudhry
Rithvik Andugula stars as DC Evan Chaudhry in the cast of Death Valley series 1 and 2. But he’s also a musician, poet, and writer! See below for one of his songs.
A relative newbie to acting, his very first TV role was playing Time Guy in the 2024 series Extraordinary.
In 2025, he portrayed Rael in the Sadie Sink film O’Dessa. Talking about winning the role of DC Evan Chaudhry in the cast of Death Valley, he said: “DC Evan Chaudhry. Death Valley. My first series regular gig, what a moment to be alive. All thanks and praise to the people around me who kept me going, who gave me love & support. Playing a detective… Famm dream come true. you mad?! End of the beginning.”
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Death Valley on BBC One main cast list:
Timothy Spall stars as John Chapel.
Gwyneth Keyworth returns as DS Janie Mallowan.
Steffan Rhodri portrays DCI Clarke.
Alexandria Riley is Helen Baxter.
Rithvik Andugula portrays DC Evan Chaudhry.
Melanie Walters is back as Janie’s mum Yvonne Mallowan.
Read now: All the filming locations used in Death Valley on BBC One, including ‘gorgeous towns and villages’
