detective

EXCLUSIVE: The Netflix actress unpacked her new crime drama based on a notorious real-life Irish American gang.

Bosch legend Titus Welliver and Ozark star Jessica Frances Dukes have spoken candidly about portraying a detective partnership in a gritty new period drama.

The Westies, a fresh gangster series which arrived on MGM+ (available through Amazon Prime Video) yesterday, features Netflix actress Dukes as Birdie Polk, who is resolute in her mission to shield New York from a sinister criminal underworld.

Meanwhile, Welliver portrays her hesitant police partner Glenn Keenan, whose complex ties with Eamonn Sweeney (J. K. Simmons), head of Irish American gang The Westies, compels him to navigate a precarious balance between opposing forces.

The Westies, co-created by Narcos’ Chris Brancato and Michael Panes, draws from a genuine Irish American gang which operated from Hell’s Kitchen throughout the 1960s until the late 1980s.

Dukes, who portrays Special Agent Maya Miller in Netflix’s Ozark, shared her thoughts on taking on a markedly different kind of FBI agent.

She said: “I’ve been a fan of Chris Brancato and Michael Panes for a while and being able to dive into one of their worlds was something that was a goal of mine, so to be a part of this was really exciting.

“To jump into FBI world again, at first I was like ‘Do I want to do FBI again?’ and then I read it and I was like, ‘Oh, this chick is not Maya Miller’. And so I was so excited to dive into this ballsy woman. It was so much fun – I loved playing her.”

Considering the broader importance of the role, she added: “She’s given this opportunity to bring these guys down and she’s put in this place of power in [the early 1980s].”

She continued: “There is one woman in a sea of men running this show. I feel like Birdie starts the show with the reward and now it’s all about, ‘Is she going to succeed and prove all the naysayers waiting for her failure wrong?’ And I truly believe she’s got the golden ticket with Keenan.”

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Welliver, who portrays the titular Harry Bosch in Bosch on Prime Video, commented on the new series: “For me, it’s very personal because I’m a New Yorker and I was in and around that time.

“All characters are different and Glenn Keenan is the polar opposite of Harry Bosch if you look at these two guys.”

Discussing his character further and how he engages with Simmons’ Sweeney and Dukes’ Polk, he observed: “The scenes with J.K. were great because those worlds are very markedly different.

“Sweeney and Keenan have a long history together, whereas the relationship with Polk and Keenan is new, but there’s an interesting similarity.

“So they’re both trying to puppeteer Keenan and he is basically saying, ‘Nobody has strings on me.’

“And that’s what I think is the interesting aspect of that character and he emerges with a sense of independence, but at a serious cost.”

The official synopsis for The Westies from MGM+ states: “The Westies is a gritty and kinetic crime drama centering on New York City’s infamously violent Irish gang of the same name.

“The series is set in the early 1980s when the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center on the Westies’ home turf in Hell’s Kitchen promises a financial windfall.

“Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.

“But internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to set a match to this powder keg, which will sweep the Westies into the FBI’s ever-deepening investigation into the Italian mafia.”

The Westies premiered on 12th July 2026 exclusively on MGM+ in the UK.

BBC viewers have called the cosy detective series the ‘best TV show of all time’

Death in Paradise fans looking for their next fix need look no further.

BBC viewers have gone wild for ‘one of the best’ detective series, calling it a ‘real gem hidden in the daytime schedules’.

Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators first aired in 2018 and is now in its sixth series. It stars EastEnders legend Jo Joyner as Luella Shakespeare and Waterloo Road star Mark Benton as Frank Hathaway.

A synopsis for the show reads: “After the death of her fiance, Luella Shakespeare joins Frank Hathaway, a private detective, to help him solve some bizarre cases in Stratford-upon-Avon.”

The series has been a huge hit amongst fans who have likened it to Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise and Midsomer Murders.

One person said: “I don’t know what this show is doing in the day time section, I would have missed it, had it not for the fact that I logged into iPlayer. It reminded me of ‘Death in Paradise’ but set in Warwickshire. They have filmed in really scenic locations, and I love the cast.

“The two leads have very good on screen chemistry and their side kick, the “RADA Grad” is pretty funny. I have watched six episodes so far and I can’t wait to finish it.

“I hope BBC renews it because it is pretty cheerful and feel good show. I am a little tired of gritty and dark dramas so this is pretty much right up my stream!”

Another show watcher put: “Just binge watched the first and second series of this show on demand! I can’t believe I’d never heard of it or even seen it advertised.. I absolutely loved it! Light hearted, clever writing, witty loveable characters, I could go on and on…”

A different viewer said: “I have watched both seasons of this sweet, light hearted and funny show. I think it should be on in the evenings, it’s very much like Death in Paradise except set in Stratford Upon Avon.

“Hope it’s renewed for season! It’s a witty sweet show and some of us like light-hearted programmes!”

Another fan commented: “This show is much better than I hoped. I was looking for something on Britbox once I had watched the last episode of Death in Paradise and decided to give this a try. What a complete gem.”

While a different viewer added: “If you are a fan of exquisite British murder mysteries in the vein of Midsommer Murders you will be hooked! Fun characters, engaging comedic elements and very interesting plot twists make this a winner!! LOVE IT!!!”

Coronation Street’s Cilla Battersby-Brown star Wendi Peters has joined a new star-studded BBC detective series

A new BBC detective series sees two Coronation Street favourites join the cast.

The Hairdresser Mysteries, created by Jim Cartwright, has issued a first look at the nostalgic 1970s set crime drama and confirmed its star-studded cast.

A synopsis for the upcoming six-part show teases: “The Hairdresser Mysteries is an original, homegrown drama and a nostalgic nod to the 70’s which sees a high-end hairdresser, Lily Petal (Sally Phillips), opt out of the competitive city scene to buy a small village hairdressers at the top of a cobbled street.

“Everyone tells their hairdresser everything and soon she becomes the hub of her new village’s secrets and revelations. Using her own brand of uncannily developed hairdressing intuitive, empathy and understanding, Lily begins to solve the mysteries of the village.”

Coronation Street legend Wendi Peters will play Gloria Crudd in the series, who is another newcomer to the village hoping to make a fresh start with her ice cream parlour but soon finds her old life catching up with her.

Wendi, 58, is best known for playing Cilla Battersby-Brown in Coronation Street from 2003 to 2007, she returned to the cobbles once again in 2014.

In a first look of the new series, Wendi looks worlds away from Cilla as her character Gloria has a pastel pink copper coloured curly beehive hairdo adorned with jewellery pieces.

However, Wendi isn’t the only Coronation Street star in the new series as she is joined by fellow Weatherfield favourite Charlotte Jordan who is playing Clary Coombs – Lily’s ‘bright and analytical assistant and the Watson to her Shear-lock Holmes’.

Charlotte, 32, is best known for playing Daisy Midgeley on the cobbles from 2020 to 2025, where her character was involved in several huge storylines including the hard-hitting acid attack plot.

Joining the two Coronation Street favourites is Bridget Jones’ Diary legend Sally Phillips who plays the lead character, hairdresser Lily Petal, who opts out of the competitive city scene to buy a small village hairdressing salon at the top of a cobbled street.

You star Ben Castle-Gibb will play PC Adam Watson – an eager young copper in the local village who falls head-over-heels for salon assistant Clary.

Meanwhile, Ackley Bridge star Sunetra Sarker will play Wincey Evans – the village’s local chit-chatter with a reputation as a known gossip, while Clive Rowe plays Lonnie – the flamboyant manager of the local charity shop, and Holby City star Guy Henry plays Race Runard – the local village’s eccentric antiques dealer with a penchant for priceless teacup and saucer sets.

The Hairdresser Mysteries comes to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this July.

A new BBC crime and detective drama, created by Jim Cartwright, is the perfect watch for Beyond Paradise fans

Beyond Paradise fans looking for their next fix need look no further as a new BBC detective drama is on its way.

The Hairdresser Mysteries, created by Jim Cartwright, sees a star-studded cast with Bridget Jones’s Diary legend Sally Phillips, Coronation Street favourite Charlotte Jordan, Game of Thrones star Charlotte Hope, Adrian Hood and Doctors star Elisabeth Dermot Walsh.

A synopsis for the upcoming six-part show teases: “The Hairdresser Mysteries is an original, homegrown drama and a nostalgic nod to the 70’s which sees a high-end hairdresser, Lily Petal (Sally Phillips), opt out of the competitive city scene to buy a small village hairdressers at the top of a cobbled street.

“Everyone tells their hairdresser everything and soon she becomes the hub of her new village’s secrets and revelations.

“Using her own brand of uncannily developed hairdressing intuitive, empathy and understanding, Lily begins to solve the mysteries of the village.”

At the time of the show’s announcement, Will Trotter and Oliver Kent, Executive Producers for Mill Bay Media said: “We are thrilled to be making The Hairdresser Mysteries and working with renowned writer, Jim Cartwright, who has created a joyful world packed with colourful characters.

“None more so than hairdresser, Lily Petal, and we are delighted to have much-loved actor, Sally Phillips bring her to life.”

Meanwhile, Herbert L. Kloiber, CEO Night Train Media and Eccho Rights said: “We are delighted to bring The Hairdresser Mysteries to the international stage. The unique world that Jim Cartwright has created – modern but joyfully retro – and Sally Philips’ irresistible charm, create a fun drama that is both clever and comforting.

“It is exactly the kind of premium yet accessible series that we are looking to develop, offering buyers a fresh spin on the cosy crime genre that they have been crying out for.”

It comes as Charlotte Jordan, who left Coronation Street in 2025 after five years of playing Daisy Midgeley, is said to have quit her Radio 4 The Archers role for The Hairdresser Mysteries, where she plays Clary Coombs.

After leaving Corrie, Charlotte joined the radio show as Amber Gordon that June but after landing the new BBC role, she had to leave The Archers. Olivia Bernstone has taken over the role of Amber in The Archers as a result of Charlotte leaving.

A spokesperson for the show told Metro at the time: “After a brilliant performance as Amber, Charlotte Jordan is taking time to pursue other projects and so we are delighted to be welcoming Olivia Bernstone to the cast, who will play the role of Amber going forward.”

The Hairdresser Mysteries comes to BBC One and BBC iPlayer soon.

An ITV series that fans keep rewatching is now streaming for free and boasts an impressive 97% Rotten Tomatoes score

Fans of Vera looking for their next bingeable detective series need look no further.

Back in 2011, ITV’s crime drama Scott & Bailey aired on screens, starring beloved actors Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp as DC Rachel Bailey and DC Janet Scott.

Written by Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, the show followed the personal and professional lives of the two coppers, who are both members of the Syndicate Nine Major Incident Team (MIT) of the fictional Manchester Metropolitan Police.

An instant hit, Scott & Bailey, which attracted around seven million viewers per episode, aired for five series, before ending in 2016 – much to the heartbreak of the show’s loyal legion of fans.

The series also boasted a star-studded cast, made up of Suranne, Lesley, Amelia Bullmore, Nicholas Gleaves, Danny Miller and Pippa Haywood. And over the years, Scott & Bailey garnered several award nominations during its run, including a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Drama Series in both 2012 and 2013.

The programme also bagged rave reviews and boasts an impressive 97 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. “Finished Scott and Bailey. What a brilliant series!” declared one person on a Reddit thread.

Someone else said: “I thought it was phenomenal, same writer as Happy Valley, if you liked that you’ll like S&B.” A third chimed in: “Much better than other cop shops like Vera.”

Another wrote: “I’m watching it for a second time and I still don’t want it to end.” A fifth said: “One of my all-time favorites, I loved the friendship between them.”

In 2016, lead star Suranne spoke about the decision to end Scott & Bailey. She told Radio Times: “We said we weren’t going to do another one last series, and then when ITV said, ‘Would you like to do another one?

“We kind of thought [why not], because there’s been quite a break between the last one and this one. And then I said, ‘Oh I’d quite like to produce as well,’ so they said yes come along and do that. So the whole thing was a goodbye in a sense.”

“We were going to do a short thing, I was going to produce, and be properly on the team, because I’ve always put my nose in.”

Scott & Bailey is available to watch on ITVX

A Death in Paradise icon hasn’t strayed too far from the world of crime and mystery.

Death in Paradise fans need to watch this “incredible” drama, especially after this important update.

Death in Paradise legend DS Florence Cassell (played by Josephine Jobert) originally debuted in the BBC cosy crime back in season four before leaving in series eight.

She thankfully returned to Saint Marie and her story ended in season 13 when she happily sailed away with former boss DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little).

For those who are missing watching Jobert on their screens, Death in Paradise fans can now catch her in the Canadian detective drama Saint-Pierre.

The first season has only recently become available on U&Alibi, as well as Sky and NOW, in the UK, after first airing in Canada in January 2025, followed by series two in January 2026.

Now it’s been confirmed that Saint-Pierre will be back for a season three with UK fans expecting the latest two series to soon be made available to them.

Filming for this 12-episode third season will reportedly begin in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Newfoundland, Canada, in July.

As of yet though, there has been no confirmation as to when UK fans will be treated to the second season.

Jobert portrays mysterious Parisian Deputy Chief Genevieve “Arch” Archambault who is forced to work alongside disgraced officer Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (Allan Hawco) after he’s exiled to the small French collectivity.

While the pair initially clash because of their different styles of investigation, they soon realise that they make a great team, delving into a new case every episode.

Scoring an impressive 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no wonder fans have been praising Saint-Pierre on IMdB.

“Obsessed! Seriously, I’m hooked. Every week, they leave you hanging with a cliffhanger, and I’m just dying!”, a fan commented.

Another described it as a “must watch”, while a third echoed: “The cast are excellent – they have great chemistry.

“Also Saint-Pierre is STUNNING! It’s a character all on its own and the scenery makes me want to visit someday – I didn’t even know it existed!”

Someone else said it was an “incredible series” as another added: “Just love this show! It’s so much more than a police procedural. The chemistry between Fitz and Arch has me hooked!”

Saint-Pierre is available to watch on U&Alibi, Sky and NOW.

An ‘outstanding’ and ‘clever’ detective series is now streaming for free and it boasts an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score

Death in Paradise fans looking for their next detective series need look no further.

New Zealand-set show, The Brokenwood Mysteries, has been likened to Midsomer Murders and it is currently on UK screens as the crime drama’s 12th season airs.

Viewers can catch up from series one on Channel 4 and U&DRAMA with new episodes airing on Mondays at 8pm on the latter channel.

The Brokenwood Mysteries sees the “seemingly quiet town of Brokenwood slowly being riddled with murders” and it is up to Detective Mike Shepherd, played by Neill Rea, to get to the bottom of the crimes.

Other characters include Detective Kristin Sims, played by Fern Sutherland, Detective Constable Sam Breen, played by Nic Sampson, Dr. Gina Kadinsky, played by Cristina Ionda, and Detective Constable Daniel Chalmers played by Jarod Rawiri.

The show was first released in 2014 and its currently airing its 12th season. The detective series has received rave reviews and boasts an impressive 89% Rotten Tomatoes score with many viewers claiming it is “better than Death in Paradise”.

One person said: “If you like a great mystery, well written with lots of twists and turns as well as colorful characters populating a simply stunning locale, I can confidently recommend you visit the quirky world of Brokenwood.”

A different viewer put: “I really enjoy this series and agree with the positive reviews I’ve read” while another show watcher added: “I was pleasantly surprised, the lead actors were excellent and supporting cast very good in my opinion.”

Another fan commented: “I have given The Broken Wood Mysteries a 9 out of 10. For me this is extremely rare, it’s not often something catches my attention and keeps it, as well as Broken Wood does.”

They added: “BUT the Broken Wood Mysteries in my humble opinion, Is That Good!. To Conclude, Wonderful Trio of exceptionally good Actors!, Delightful Script Writing (quality writing), wonderful Scenery which shows delightfully the beauty of New Zealand. ALL IN ALL, A very deserved 9 out of 10.”

Elsewhere, a different viewer wrote: “I look forward to future episodes of this refreshing NZ ‘whodunnit’, which for me rates better than Midsomer, definitely better than Death in Paradise, but perhaps not quite as good as Lewis, Frost, or the Swedish version of Wallander. Well done NZ!”

Meanwhile, another fan added: “Came across this well done series from the “you may like ” section and was pleasantly entertained.

“The show built the characters quickly and the result was a wonderful mix of personalities with a nice mix of serious and humour ,especially from Fern and Neill. The Medical Examiner is like someone everyone knows, and the banter between all the cast is the strongest part of the show.”

While a different viewer wrote: “Outstanding Kiwi police series, reminiscent of some British country police dramas. The cast work well together and over the 11 seasons we see a development in the characters. If you like country music you’ll love the soundtrack.”

The Brokenwood Mysteries series one to 11 are available to watch on Channel 4 and U&DRAMA now. Season 12 airs on Mondays at 8pm on U&DRAMA with episodes also available to watch on Channel 4.

One of the former stars of Death in Paradise has issued an update about another of his crime shows

Ben Miller has shared a major update about one of his crime dramas.

The actor, previously known for his detective role in the BBC’s Death in Paradise, now leads the ITV crime show Professor T, playing a brilliant criminology professor living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who assists police in cracking cases.

Since launching in 2021, the programme has aired four series, with additional episodes already confirmed to be on the way. During an appearance on The One Show, Ben let slip a “spoiler alert”, revealing that a sixth series was in production too, reports the Express.

Presenter Roman Kemp asked about the show’s future, noting that numerous viewers had been asking when Professor T would return.

“It is coming back,” Ben replied. “I think the autumn is the season. Yeah, so we’ve got season five that will hopefully be coming out in the autumn. I mean, spoiler alert. We’re actually working on season six.”

Roman and co-host Alex Jones appeared delighted, with Roman exclaiming: “Wow! Double spoiler alert.”

Professor T sees Ben play Jasper, who assists police in solving complex cases and puzzles. The series also stars Frances de la Tour as Jasper’s domineering mother.

Last year it was confirmed that it would be back on ITV for a fifth instalment, with Ben saying at the time: “I’m beyond thrilled that we will soon be breaking ground on a fifth series of Professor T.

“Working with such a talented cast and crew is a joy that even a heavy woollen suit can’t stifle, and I can’t wait for audiences to see the treats we’ve got in store for them in series four later this year, when the Professor tackles his most baffling case yet: romance.”

The actor, well known for portraying cantankerous detective Richard Poole in Death in Paradise, added: “The fact that audiences worldwide have embraced the show so warmly is hugely rewarding, and we’re already brimming with ideas to make Series 5 even more quirky, heartfelt, and surprising.

“Here’s to another season of baffling crime, dreaming spires, and ironing that tweed…”

Sharing an update on Instagram after filming wrapped last summer, he said: “Last week we wrapped Season 5 of Professor T!

“Another few months spent filming with the most hard working crew and cast who give their all to this show. It’s always a pleasure.”

The One Show broadcasts on BBC One at 7pm on weekdays.

Sheriff’s deputies in San Bernardino County arrested a Hesperia wrestling coach Tuesday as part of a child sex investigation.

Gene Richard Griffith III, 36, a wrestling coach at Hesperia High School and resident of the city, faces a charge of lewd and lascivious acts with a child, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.

Hesperia High School officials did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Saturday.

Griffith was booked into the High Desert Detention Center in San Bernardino on Wednesday.

A representative for the San Bernardino County Sheriff did not immediately return a request for further information about the alleged incident or possible bail terms.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Department’s Crimes Against Children unit said in a statement they believe there might be additional victims, and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Victoria Twardowski at 909-890-4904.

Ardal O’Hanlon was a firm favourite on Death in Paradise as DI Jack Mooney before leaving in 2020

Death in Paradise star Ardal O’Hanlon has taken a savage swipe at the show, three years after his exit.

The actor portrayed DI Jack Mooney in the popular BBC crime drama, after joining in 2017. And during his stint, he became a firm favourite with fans, who often dubbed him the programme’s ‘best’ detective.

However, in 2020, Ardal left the cherished Caribbean-set show after three years. During his appearance on The One Show this week, the Irish star reflected on his time on the programme.

Revealing how filming Death in Paradise inspired his new book, A Plot to Die For, Ardal said: “I did 24 episodes. It must have been at least 30 murders. I didn’t even have to read the script, I knew who did it.”

Ardal went on: “When I was there I was always trying to dream up imaginative kind of murders.” Although he then said he “loves” the show, Ardal made a savage swipe at it’s storylines.

“But you would be thinking to yourself, ‘have we not done this plot before?’ You know, someone falling off a balcony again!” as his co-stars and show hosts laughed along with him.

Ardal was previously asked whether Jack Mooney leaving the show was a mutual decision. He told the Mirror: “From day one, it was always going to be like three series.

“As it turned out, I ended up doing part of a fourth series as well, before the handover to Ralf Little’s character [Neville Parker]. So to be honest with you, like you just wouldn’t be fit to do any more than that.”

He added: “It’s very gruelling, and you’re away from home for a very long time. So, you know, that was always the plan, and there was really very little that was going to change my mind about that.”

Ardal also went on to say that he believes the reason for the show’s success is the constant rotation of detectives. He stated: “I think the secret of the show’s success is constantly changing the lead detective, you know, before people get bored with them.”

What’s more, despite enduring “very harsh” weather conditions during filming of the show, Ardal branded the experience a “lovely job to do”.

Death in Paradise airs on BBC One and iPlayer