Beyond Paradise fans looking for their next fix need look no further as a new BBC detective drama is on the way.
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.
Bridget Jones’ Diary legend Sally Phillips leads the cast as 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.
Joining Sally, 56, in the cast is Coronation Street favourite Charlotte Jordan who is playing Clary Coombs – Lily’s ‘bright and analytical assistant and the Watson to her Shear-lock Holmes’.
View 4 ImagesBeyond Paradise fans looking for their next fix need look no further as a new BBC detective series is on the way(Image: THE HAIRDRESSER MYSTERIES 2026 © BBC/Mill Bay Media/Joss Barratt)
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.
Other cast members include Coronation Street legend Wendi Peters who will play Gloria Crudd, 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.
View 4 ImagesJoining Sally, 56, in the cast is Coronation Street favourite Charlotte Jordan who is playing Clary Coombs(Image: THE HAIRDRESSER MYSTERIES 2026 © BBC/Mill Bay Media/Gary Moyes)
A synopsis for the show teases: “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.”
Earlier this year, Will Trotter and Oliver Kent, Executive Producers for Mill Bay Media said of the new series: “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.
View 4 ImagesOther cast members include Coronation Street legend Wendi Peters who will play Gloria Crudd(Image: THE HAIRDRESSER MYSTERIES 2026 © BBC/Mill Bay Media/Joss Barratt)
“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.
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“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.”
The Hairdresser Mysteries comes to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this July.