Calling all cosy crime fans! Channel 5 has unveiled a first look at its new sun-soaked comedy-drama, Benidorm is Murder – and it sounds like the perfect watch for fans of Death in Paradise.
The upcoming six-part series stars John Hannah (The Last of Us, Four Weddings and a Funeral) as Dennis, a burned-out detective who traded the daily grind of the UK for a simpler life running a bar in sunny Benidorm. However, when tourists are mysteriously killed, Dennis finds himself drawn back into the world of crime-solving.
© 5 Broadcasting Limited / ClapperboardThe series is created and written by Ian Jarvis (The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin), while Simon Delaney (Death in Paradise, The Young Offenders) is on board as Lead Director, with Dermot Boyd (The Madame Blanc Mysteries) directing Episode 5.
With its winning mix of comedy, mystery, and a vibrant cast of characters, Benidorm is Murder sounds like a must-watch. Here's everything you need to know about the series.
All you need to know about Benidorm is Murder
The series centers on Dennis, a talented but exhausted detective who swapped his high-pressure life in the UK for sunny Benidorm, where he runs a bar. However, his peaceful new existence is short-lived.
The synopsis continues: "When tourists start turning up dead, Dennis is reluctantly drawn back into detective work by his new barmaid, aspiring actress and crime drama superfan Rosa. Played by Carolina Bécquer, Rosa's enthusiasm and determination to prove herself pulls Dennis out of his bar and into the action.
© 5 Broadcasting Limited / Clapperboard"Using Dennis' real-world experience and showcasing Rosa’s encyclopedic TV knowledge, each episode sees the duo tackling a new murder, whilst trying to stay on the right side of the Spanish cops."
The first look photos show a glimpse of the duo in action, alongside Benidorm's policing team, the formidable DS Maria Hernandez, played by Ariadna Cabrol, and her new PC Jesús Ballesteros played by Damian Schedler Cruz.
© 5 Broadcasting Limited / ClapperboardIn a statement, leading star John Hannah described Benidorm is Murder as a "gem of a show, filled with joy and humour". He continued: "But there's a balance of comedy and serious emotional weight to the stories, which is testament to the writing. We have such a brilliant cast on this, everyone is pitch perfect for their roles, and I can't wait for viewers to meet Carolina who was born to play Rosa."
Who else stars in the show?
Rounding out the main cast is Brian Bovell (Andor, Love Actually), who plays Benidorm enigma Archie, a philosopher, a poet and a permanent fixture at Dennis' bar.
© 5 Broadcasting Limited / ClapperboardViewers can also expect to see a host of guest stars, including Denise Welch (Waterloo Road, Tip Toe), Alistair McGowan (The Big Impression, Bleak House) and Tamzin Outhwaite (The Tower, Hotel Babylon).
Benidorm is Murder is set to air on 5 in 2026.
