This twist-filled new 6-part drama starring a Line of Duty favourite is one to watch

Channel 5 has announced a new six-part drama, Last Resort, starring Line of Duty's Jason Watkins and Grantchester star Tessa Peake-Jones – and it sounds seriously good. 

In this "deceptively dark tale of village life," a group of friends are "thrust into the murky underbelly of a quaint seaside village" after a tragedy sets them on a hunt for a killer. 

© Channel 5

The series is penned by lead writer Matthew Thomas (Missed Call, Marcella), alongside David Turpin (The Ex-Wife, Girl Taken) and Rebecca Wojciechowski (The Teacher, Silent Witness), so it's safe to say viewers are in for a twist-filled ride. I'm definitely keeping my eye out for this one!

With filming underway, find out all you need to know about the series below…

What is Last Resort about? 

The drama follows retired librarian Gail, her sister Joy, who suffers from early-stage dementia, and old friends Dee and Charlie, setting off for a fun-filled holiday meant to be Joy's bucket list trip. 

When tragedy strikes in the idyllic holiday town, the police are quick to label it as an accident. But the group are convinced it is murder and set out to prove it.

© Henrietta Garden

The synopsis continues: "The friends dive into their own investigation with the help of Joy's daughter Kate soon crossing paths with DI Simon Lund. As old crimes surface and dark patterns emerge, the group of friends finds that this seemingly idyllic resort town – with its beach walks, pub lunches, and good-natured bickering - hides something far more sinister. 

"Together they must piece together one devastating mystery and track down a killer who has been hunting in this close–knit coastal community and beyond."

© Faye Thomas

Caroline Quentin, who plays Gail, teased the show as "one to watch". "Matthew Thomas has created something moving, funny and terrifying. It's quite a ride!" she said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer for 5, said viewers can expect "plenty of twists and turns". 

Who stars in the series? 

The drama boasts an impressive cast, led by Caroline Quentin (The Lazarus Project, Jonathan Creek) as Gail, Niamh Cusack (Big Mood, I Jack Wright) as Joy, Tessa Peake-Jones (Grantchester, Only Fools and Horses) as Dee and Jason Watkins (Dirty Business, Line of Duty).

© ANDREW BAKER

Meanwhile, Bronagh Waugh (Ridley, The Stolen Girl) plays Kate, alongside John Hannah (The Mummy, The Last of Us) as DI Simon Lund.

Other cast members include Cathy Belton (The Hardacres, Miss Scarlet), Ella Dacres (The Bends, Paddington in Peru), Simon Coury (Intruder, Maxine), Chizzy Akudolu (Little Disasters, Woman in the Wall), Geff Francis (Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Midsomer Murders), Tadhg Murphy (Time Bandits, Brassic), Jane Brennan (Hidden Assets, Brooklyn), Conor Mullen (Blue Lights, Mr Bates vs. The Post Office), Jonathan Harden (Time, Blue Lights), Karyna Khymchuk (Urchin, On Falling), Nora Nagys (The Last Duel, Gretel & Hansel) and Robin Maher Kavanagh (My Battle with Blue).

© David M. Benett

When will Last Resort be released?

The series will air on Channel 5 in 2027, with an exact release date yet to be announced. 

It is produced by Pernel Media in association with Peer Pressure and STUDIOCANAL.