SHAKESPEARE AND HATHAWAY RETURN FOR FIFTH SERIES ON BBC ONE, FILMING BEGINS

Fan-favourite Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators has started filming series five in Stratford-upon-Avon, with Jo Joyner, Mark Benton and Patrick Walshe McBride reprising their roles as Luella Shakespeare, Frank Hathaway and Sebastian Brudenell.

The new series, produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions in Birmingham, is a co-commission by BBC Content and UKTV, and will premiere exclusively on UKTV’s specialist crime drama channel, Alibi next year before launching later on the BBC and iPlayer. Series one to four are available on BBC iPlayer.

The deal is part of the BBC’s commitment to investment in the Midlands, which has seen drama commissions in the region continue such as the recently announced double commission for Father Brown series 12 and 13 with BBC Studios, and the acquisition of series one and two of Sister Boniface from BBC Studios.

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators series four was the BBC’s second biggest daytime series in 2022. Its average audience was 2.3million with nearly one fifth (0.4m) of its total audience coming from iPlayer and was the biggest commissioned daytime series on iPlayer in 2022.

Created by Paul Matthew Thompson and the late Jude Tindall, the series follows an unlikely pair of private investigators, hardboiled ex-cop Frank Hathaway (Benton), and warm-hearted ex-hairdresser Lu Shakespeare (Joyner), as they work the cobbled streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, solving thrilling cases and murders most foul.

Helen Munson, Commissioner for BBC Daytime comments: “I’m delighted that Shakespeare and Hathaway are back! Expect more murder, more intrigue, and of course more comedy in series 5, as Lu and Frank once again solve crimes in beautiful Stratford Upon Avon.”

Claire Hookway, Commissioning Executive, Drama, UKTV, says: “With its distinctive marriage of comedy, crime and mystery, we know Alibi viewers love Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. We’re delighted to have this opportunity to treat them to the further adventures of this much-loved pairing on Alibi first and can’t wait to see Lu and Frank back on-screen with some new twisty and thrilling mysteries to solve.”

Jo Joyner says: “I’m so excited to be stepping back into Luella’s bright and fluffy shoes! We have such loyal and brilliant fans who have been asking us daily if we’ll ever be back, so it’s wonderful to finally be able to say yes! I can’t wait to see Lu, Frank and Sebastian cracking more countryside crimes whilst squabbling fondly in series 5.”

Mark Benton says: “I'm so thrilled to be making the show again. The reaction was phenomenal and hopefully series five will be even better. I can't wait.”

Patrick Walshe McBride says: "I'm so excited to be back filming Shakespeare & Hathaway. We have so much fun making the show and we put a lot of love into it. I hope viewers will be interested to find out what the characters have been up to over the last couple of years, and will enjoy accompanying us in a new season of murder and merriment. Anyone for Earl Grey?"

Deborah Sathe, Creative Director for BBC Studios Drama Productions, says: “BBC Studios, and the cast and crew of Shakespeare and Hathaway, are so excited to be returning to Stratford Upon Avon to film this hugely popular show. Viewers have let us know how much they have missed us so we hope they are as thrilled as we are! Frank And Lu haven’t lain dormant and poor Sebastian has been overworked, but criminals of Stratford Upon Avon beware, our super sleuths are back!”

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators is produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions for the BBC and UKTV. Executive Producers are Neil Irvine for BBC Studios, Helen Munson and Rob Unsworth for the BBC and Claire Hookway, Commissioning Executive, Drama, for UKTV.