5 has released a first-look image from its upcoming mystery drama Last Resort (working title), which unites an ensemble of much-loved actors for a “deceptively dark tale of village life”.
The series follows retired librarian Gail (Men Behaving Badly icon Caroline Quentin) as she takes her sister, Joy (Big Mood‘s Niamh Cusack), to an “idyllic holiday town” in what is supposed to be a fun-filled “bucket list trip”.
Sadly, Joy is suffering from the early stages of dementia, so the sisters are keen to get the most out of every moment they have left together, inviting longtime friends Dee (Only Fools legend Tessa Peake-Jones) and Charlie (Dirty Business star Jason Watkins) along for the ride.
However, these best-laid plans quickly go awry when “tragedy strikes” the local community, with police being quick to declare an unfortunate accident – but “the group are convinced it is murder and set out to prove it”.
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The synopsis, courtesy of 5, teases: “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.”
Last Resort also stars Bronagh Waugh (The Stolen Girl) as Joy’s daughter, Kate, and John Hannah (The Mummy) as DI Simon Lund. The supporting cast features Cathy Belton (The Hardacres), Ella Dacres (Paddington in Peru), Chizzy Akudolu (Little Disasters) and Tadhg Murphy (Brassic), among others.
The series is currently filming, and eyeing a premiere date in 2027.
Caroline Quentin said: “I’m thrilled to be on screen with two of my long-time favourite actors Tessa Peake-Jones and Jason Watkins. With the added joy of Bronagh, Niamh, and the rest of this brilliant cast, it’s an unstoppable team! Matthew Thomas has created something moving, funny and terrifying. It’s quite a ride!”
Last Resort creator Thomas is also known for 5 thriller Missed Call, starring Joanna Scanlan, and Anna Friel’s ITV hit Marcella, while director Sean Ellis is coming from Orlando Bloom-led boxing flick The Cut.
Notably, this is the second 5 drama featuring John Hannah to be unveiled recently, with The Mummy star also leading the cast of upcoming cosy crime series Benidorm is Murder.
Last Resort is coming to 5 in 2027.
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