Midsomer Murders fans, listen up! Channel 5 just dropped a first look at its new murder mystery series – and we bet you won't be able to resist adding it to your watchlist.
Murder Before Evensong is a new six-part drama, based on the bestselling novel by the Reverend Richard Coles, which has been adapted for the screen by Midsomer Murders' very own writer, Nick Hicks-Beach.
To top it off, it's also being directed by David Moore, who's known for his work on Shetland, Fool Me Once, Outlander and Marple. What more could you ask for?
Starring Matthew Lewis (All Creatures Great and Small, Harry Potter), the series is set in 1980s England and follows Canon Daniel Clement, the Rector of Champton, who finds himself unexpectedly caught up in a murder case when a dead body turns up in the church.
HELLO!'s Acting TV Editor Nicky Morris said: "Cosy crime fans are in for a real treat with this one. As a fan of both Harry Potter and All Creatures Great and Small, I can't wait to see Matthew Lewis's portrayal of Canon Daniel Clement, who I know will win the hearts of audiences instantly."
Read on for more details about the series, including when viewers can watch…
What to expect from Murder Before Evensong
Based on Reverend Richard Coles's first novel, which was a Sunday Times Bestseller, the story centres on Canon Daniel Clement.
The official synopsis continues: "Daniel shares Champton rectory with his widowed mother Audrey (Amanda Redman, New Tricks) – and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.
© Robert Viglasky/AcornTV"When Daniel announces a plan to modernize the church, the parish is suddenly divided. And then a body is found dead at the back of the church.
"As the police move in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his fractured community together… and catch a killer."
© Ludovic Robert/ 5 /AcornTVMeet the cast of Murder Before Evensong
Leading the charge as Daniel Clement is Matthew Lewis who, alongside his role as Hugh Hulton in All Creatures Great and Small, is known for his iconic role as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter franchise.
© Channel 5Matthew is joined by Amit Shah (Happy Valley) as DS Neil Vanloo, Adam James (The Day of the Jackal) as Bernard De Floures and Meghan Treadway (One Day) as Honor De Floures.
Rounding out the cast are Alexander Delamain as Alex De Floures, Marion Bailey (The Crown) as Kath, Amanda Hadingue (Kaos) as Dora, Tamzin Outhwaite (The Wives) as Stella Harper, Francis Magee (Kin) as Edgy and Nina Toussaint-White (Showtrial) as Jane Thwaite.
© Channel 5When can viewers watch Murder Before Evensong?
The series will be available to watch and stream on 5 in the UK and Acorn TV in the US and Canada this autumn.
Five must-watch cosy crime dramas...
1/5
© Big Talk Studios/BBC/David EmeryDavid Mitchell is hilariously awkward in this crime series
1. Ludwig – BBC iPlayer
John Ludwig Taylor (David Mitchell) is an introverted puzzle maker. When his identical twin brother goes missing, his life takes an unexpected turn. Taking on his brother's role as DCI, John pretends to be his twin to assist the investigation – but soon becomes involved in other cases too.
2/5
© Photo: RexThe classic whodunnit series aired from 2004-2013 on ITV
2. Agatha Christie's Marple – ITV
Based on the Agatha Christie book series, Jane Marple uncovers numerous crimes in the quiet village of St Mary Mead. The elderly spinster sets out to helps friends and relatives solve mysterious murders.
3/5
© Photo: SkyAshley Jensen plays the lead detective
3. Agatha Raisin - Amazon Prime
Agatha Raisin gives up her London lifestyle as a public relations professional in the hope of starting over in the village of Carsley. However, she soon finds herself entangled in murder investigations.
4/5
© Joss Barratt/NetflixEmma Myers stars as 17-year old Pip Fitz-Amboi
4. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - Netflix
In this young adult murder mystery, the town of Little Kilton is still reeling from the disappearance of a popular student five years ago. Pip Fitz-Amobi questions the police's version of events and sets out to uncover the real truth.
5/5
Will residents Siiri, Irma and Anna-Liisa solve the crimes?
5. Sunset Grove – Channel 4
Three residents of a retirement home begin to suspect it may be hiding unsolved crimes. After a suspicious death, they start their own investigation – but enemies lurk just around the corner.
