Hairdresser secrets and murder: new crime drama promises small-town intrigue
Forget your usual cozy crime – a new BBC series is serving up a potent blend of vintage charm and deadly secrets, all thanks to a sharp-eyed hairdresser.
Sally phillips unravels village mysteries
The premise is delightfully unsettling: The Hairdresser Mysteries stars Sally Phillips as Lili Petal, a city escapee who opens a salon in the sleepy village of Havenwood. But her knack for reading people – honed through years of expertly styling locks – quickly turns out to be more than just a professional skill; it’s a key to unlocking the town’s darkest secrets. Phillips, known for her comedic timing in Miranda and the Bridget Jones films, brings a surprising gravitas to the role, transforming from sitcom darling to shrewd detective.
A cast of quirky characters
The supporting cast is a delightful collection of eccentric locals. Charlotte Jordan plays Clary Coombs, Lili’s perpetually flustered assistant, essentially a Watson to her Petal’s Holmes. Ben Castle-Gibb rounds out the trio as PC Adam Watson, a young, slightly bewildered police officer hopelessly smitten with Clary. Sunetra Sarker embodies Wincey Evans, the village gossip – a role she clearly relishes – while Clive Rowe portrays Lonnie, the quietly observant manager of the local charity shop. And then there’s Guy Henry as Race Runard, the village’s antique dealer, shrouded in an unsettling air of quiet menace.
Inspired by classic mysteries
Executive producer Jim Cartwright’s script, with its six 45-minute episodes, clearly draws inspiration from the golden age of British crime dramas like Ludwig and Death Valley. The show’s aesthetic – 1970s village life, cobbled streets, and a palpable sense of community – is meticulously crafted. Even Wendi Peters, guest-starring as Gloria Crudd, a newcomer aiming to establish an ice cream parlour, adds another layer of delightfully suspicious charm.
When to tune in
Prepare to lose yourself in Havenwood’s secrets. The Hairdresser Mysteries premieres on BBC One and iPlayer in July – a timely dose of small-town drama, promising a gripping and unexpectedly stylish ride. Don't expect neatly tied resolutions; this is a landscape where appearances are deceiving, and even the most seemingly innocent haircut could conceal a deadly truth.