The BBC’s ‘Old Town Murders’ Becomes ‘The Last Detective’
'Old Town Murders' has undergone some changes since it was announced, including new cast members and a new title.
The BBC commissioned two brand-new Welsh series in April 2026: a podcast-to-screen adaptation of The Witch Farm and a tried-and-true case-of-the-week series where a pair of grizzled veterans solve crimes on the Pembrokeshire coastline, Old Town Murders. The former released its first images in mid-September, and currently looks to be set as a Halloween-timed release now that the U.K. goes all in on Spooky Season the way we do in America.
The latter, however, has undergone some casting changes, as well as having been renamed. We were hoping it might have switched to something a little less generic, but unfortunately, that isn’t the case. The series is now called The Last Detective, which stands out about as much as the show’s original title. Meanwhile, original cast member James Bamford was first replaced by Tom Blumberg as the innocent rookie cop of the ensemble, before the series finally settled on Welsh presenter Jordan Davies in what looks to be his first weekly procedural-style role.
Despite that, the first images of the series promise gorgeous vistas of the Welsh coast, and the synopsis reveals it will follow the current trend of mystery series made up of three two-part mysteries over a six-episode season.
Here’s the series’ fresh synopsis:
The Last Detectives is a crime series brimming with wit and humor, grounded in character, and follows two detectives as they find a new beginning after circumstance thrusts them together. Leading the charge are DI Glyn Walsh and DS Sion Dearden, investigative partners whose instinctive understanding of one another proves invaluable as they navigate complex cases, unexpected twists and long-buried secrets lurking beneath the town's picturesque surface.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pembrokeshire coastline, and with each case spanning two episodes, the drama explores themes of new beginnings and second chances as the team confronts fresh challenges, personal crossroads, and truths that refuse to stay buried.
(BBC/Quay Street Productions)
Mark Lewis Jones (The Crown) and Steffan Rhodri (Steeltown Murders) star as DI Glyn Walsh and DS Sion Dearden, respectively. The rest of the series ensemble includes Bethan Mary-James (Death Valley) as DC Remy Jones, Julie Graham (Time) as forensic biologist Dr. Pamela Thomas, and Davies (Ex on the Beach) as DC Neil Miller. Catherine Ayers (Missing You) also co-stars in an undisclosed role. The guest cast is expected to be announced in due course.
Series creator Matthew Barry (The Guest) penned all episodes with Hannah Daniel (Mudtown). Directors Andy Newbery (Heartstopper) and Rhys Carter (Still Waters) split helming duties across the six-episode series, with Guy Hescott producing. Barry executive produces alongside Davina Earl and Nicola Shindler for Quay Street Productions, plus Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC.
The Last Detective has wrapped filming and is expected to debut on the BBC in late 2026 or early 2027. The series does not yet have American distribution.
Sign up for full access to Telly Visions' recaps and reviews!
