The BBC has confirmed that Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators has been recommissioned for series 5 – but it will air on U&Alibi first.

Fans will know that the popular cosy crime drama hasn’t been on screen for two years. But now we know that series 5 started filming in September 2024 and is due onscreen in September 2025.

Jo Joyner, Mark Benton and Patrick Walshe McBride will be reprising their roles as Luella Shakespeare, Frank Hathaway, and Sebastian Brudenell.

Here’s everything we know so far about Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators series 5 on U&Alibi, BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Is there a Shakespeare & Hathaway series 5?

Shakespeare & Hathaway will be back with a series 5, the BBC has confirmed. A statement released in September 2025 teased: “Expect more murder, more intrigue and, of course, more comedy in series 5, as Lu and Frank once again solve crimes in beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon.

Like previous series, it will follow the unlikely pair of private investigators – hardboiled ex-cop Frank Hathaway, and warm-hearted ex-hairdresser Lu Shakespeare – as they work the cobbled streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, “solving thrilling cases and murders most foul”.

Series 4 of the cosy crime drama aired in 2022. The first ever series aired in 2018.

Where is Shakespeare & Hathaway filmed?

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators began filming series 5 in September 2025 in historic Stratford-upon-Avon.

The BBC released a brand new picture of Patrick Walshe McBride, Jo Joyner and Mark Benton smiling for the camera in costume on set.

The photo shows actress Jo holding a clapperboard for Shakespeare and Hathaway series 5, illustrated with a man and a woman standing by a series of mock Tudor homes.

Who’s in the cast of series 5?

Jo Joyner will reprise her role as Luella Shakespeare in the upcoming series of Shakespeare & Hathaway. Jo is currently starring in the Channel 5 thriller The Wives.

Of course, TV viewers will also know her for playing Tanya Branning in EastEnders, Erin Cartwright in Netflix’s Stay Close, and Mandy Carter in Ackley Bridge.

Jo says: “I’m so excited to be stepping back into Luella’s bright and fluffy shoes! We have such loyal and brilliant fans who have been asking us daily if we’ll ever be back, so it’s wonderful to finally be able to say yes! I can’t wait to see Lu, Frank and Sebastian cracking more countryside crimes whilst squabbling fondly in series 5.”

Mark Benton will return as Frank Hathaway. TV viewers probably know Mark best for playing Daniel Chalk in Waterloo Road, Max de Lacey in Scoop, and Eddie in Early Doors. He’s also starred opposite his real life mate Robson Green in the likes of Northern Lights, City Lights, and Christmas Lights.

Mark Benton says: “I’m so thrilled to be making the show again. The reaction was phenomenal and hopefully series five will be even better. I can’t wait.”

Who plays Sebastian Brudenell?

Patrick Walshe McBride will play Sebastian Brudenell. Viewers will know him for portraying Luke Burgess in Lewis, and Lord Ruthven in Dracula. Most recently, he starred as Caleb Felton in The Chelsea Detective.

Patrick says: “I’m so excited to be back filming Shakespeare & Hathaway. We have so much fun making the show and we put a lot of love into it. I hope viewers will be interested to find out what the characters have been up to over the last couple of years, and will enjoy accompanying us in a new season of murder and merriment. Anyone for Earl Grey?”

All other cast names have not yet been released.

How can I watch Shakespeare & Hathaway? When’s the start date?

Shakespeare & Hathaway series 5 will premiere exclusively on UKTVs specialist crime drama channel, U&Alibi in September 2025. It will air on Thursdays at 9pm. An exact start date has not yet been announced.

It will then launch later the same year on the BBC and iPlayer. Series one to four are currently available on BBC iPlayer.

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators series 4 was the BBC’s second biggest daytime series in 2022!

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Shakespeare & Hathaway series 5 will start on U&Alibi in September, and later BBC One and iPlayer, in 2025.