The Hairdresser Mysteries on BBC: Sally Phillips leads new cosy crime drama, a 'nostalgic nod' to the 70s
Who hasn't revealed their secrets at the hair salon?
The Hairdresser Mysteries is a brand new “nostalgic” cosy crime drama coming to the BBC in the coming months, and here’s everything you need to know about the Sally Phillips led series.
Today, the Beeb has unveiled first-look pictures and announced further casting for The Hairdresser Mysteries. The new TV show is an “original, homegrown drama” from the West Midlands. It’s one of two new dramas planned, with the aim to “showcase the commitment to investing in the region and across the UK”.
This follows series such as Silent Witness and MasterChef, which have gone into pre-production from new bases in Digbeth. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming series, including, plot, start date, location, and cast.
What is the plot of The Hairdresser Mysteries?
The BBC has commissioned two new dramas from the West Midlands, the first being cosy crime The Hairdresser Mysteries.
The channel describe The Hairdresser Mysteries as “a nostalgic nod to the 70s”. Sally Phillips stars as Lily Petal, a “high-end hairdresser”. She decides to opt out of the competitive city scene to buy a small village hairdressers at the top of a cobbled street.
The BBC synopsis tells us: “Everyone tells their hairdresser everything and soon Lily is at the hub of her new village’s secrets and revelations. And, with her own brand of uncannily highly-developed, hairdressing intuitive empathy and understanding, solves the village mysteries.”
Playwright and screen writer Jim Cartwright penned the series. TV and film addicts will know him best for Little Voice, Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise, and Coronation Street.
This female-led crime caper has the potential to be a huge hit. Much like Whitstable Pearl, Murder Most Puzzling, and The Madame Blanc Mysteries.
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How many episodes it is? How can I watch it?
The Hairdresser Mysteries will be six episodes of 45 minutes each.
We know it will air on BBC in the daytime. This follows series such as Father Brown, and Sister Boniface Mysteries.
Where was The Hairdresser Mysteries filmed?
Filming for The Hairdresser Mysteries took place in September 2025 across the West Midlands.
This is part of a huge BBC initiative to make the Beeb less London-centric. In the past year, we’ve had This City is Ours, and Unforgivable in Liverpool, Silent Witness’ move from London to Birmingham, and Virdee in Bradford.
Personally, we love seeing different parts of the UK on our screens. Thank you The Guest for showing us the beauty of Wales, and there’s always Shetland for its stunning filming locations…
As well as confirming The Hairdresser Mysteries, the BBC also revealed another new drama. The Detection Club is set in 1930s London – the golden age of detective fiction.
The crime drama sees three of the most famous crime writers of the time join forces to solve real-life murders. We’re talking Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers and G.K. Chesterton.
The synopsis tells us: “Honing their craft within the hallowed walls of a secret London location, the three writers come together after receiving an invitation that leads them to their first real murder case.
“The series follows the trio as they work together to crack cases, all to the despair of D.I. Greenway a young, rookie, real-life detective.”
When’s the start date?
The Hairdresser Mysteries will be coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC One in July.
Cast and crew filmed The Hairdresser Mysteries in September 2025.
Who plays Lily Petal?
Sally Phillips take the lead role of Lily Petal in The Hairdresser Mysteries. The comedic actress is perfectly placed to lead a cosy crime drana, and will be well known to TV viewers.
She started her career as a comedian, appearing in sketch shows such as Smith & Jones, Six Pairs of Pants, and Fist of Fun – as well as I’m Alan Partridge.
But it was the female-led Smack the Pony which really catapulted her to fame in the UK. She appeared in the show between Fiona Allen, Sarah Alexander, and Doon Mackichan.
Since then, she’s probably most famous for playing Katie Nash in Rescue Me, Tash Vine in Jam & Jerusalem, Tilly in Miranda, and Elaine in Tourist Trap. More recently, Sally starred as Ingrid Hartswood in Austin.
Her famous film roles have included Shazza in all four Bridget Jones films, Tessa Jones in Love at First Sight, and Gina in How to Please a Woman.
Who else is in the cast?
Coronation Street’s Charlotte Jordan plays Clary Coombs, Lily’s bright and analytical assistant and “the Watson to her Shear-lock Holmes”.
You actor Ben Castle-Gibb stars as PC Adam Watson, an eager young copper in the local village who falls head-over-heels for salon assistant Clary.
Ackley Bridge’s Sunetra Sarker portrays Wincey Evans, the village’s local chit-chatter with a reputation as a known gossip.
So Awkward’s Clive Rowe will play Lonnie, the flamboyant manager of the local charity shop. Lastly, Holby City legend Guy Henry portrays Race Runard, the local village’s eccentric antiques dealer with a penchant for priceless teacup and saucer sets.
An array of guest stars will also appear through the series. These including Corrie’s Wendi Peters, who plays Gloria Crudd. Gloria is another newcomer to the village hoping to make a fresh start with her ice cream parlour. However, she soon finds her old life catching up with her.
