New episodes of Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators to premiere on Alibi before launching on BBC & iPlayer

24/09/2024

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.

"We're delighted to have this opportunity to treat Alibi viewers to the further adventures of this much-loved pairing on Alibi first."

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: Im so thrilled to be making the show again. The reaction was phenomenal and hopefully series five will be even better. I cant wait.

Patrick Walshe McBride says: "Im 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 and 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.

Erika Hossington is Series Producer and Lyn Washbrook is Script Producer. BBC Studios is handing international distribution.

-ENDS-

For further information yvette.dore@uktv.co.uk

About Alibi

Sky 109/826, Virgin 126/200, BT 312/382, TalkTalk 312, TV Player

On demand on Sky, Virgin, BT and TalkTalk

Alibi is the only TV channel dedicated to crime drama, investigating the best selection from the genre and premiering hit series from around the world such as CSI: Vegas, So Help Me Todd, Dark Winds and Black Sands.

Alibi's offering of UKTV Original crime drama series give viewers guaranteed thrills, twists and turns through hit shows including Annika, starring Nicola Walker, Traces, starring Molly Windsor and Martin Compston and We Hunt Together, starring Eve Myles and Babou Ceesay. Sophie Rundle also leads the cast in Barcelona-set drama, The Diplomat, while Anjli Monindra, Marc Warren and Adjoa Andoh star in The Red King from writer Toby Whithouse.

Alibi is also home to fan favourites, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Murdoch Mysteries and Hudson and Rex, and gives viewers another chance to catch hugely popular British crime dramas including Death in Paradise, Father Brown and Silent Witness.

About UKTV

UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, Gold, Alibi and Eden - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview and Freesat; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV's content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media. UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity and is commit

LINK:	https://corporate.uktv.co.uk/newsroom/new-episodes-of-shakespeare-and-...
	See more stories from uktv

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

18/03/2026

Net Insight Names Larissa GrnerMeeus CPO

Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4. Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...

18/03/2026

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026: Select Sessions Now Available to Watch on SVG PLAY

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...

18/03/2026

SVG's SportsTech@NABShow Blog Goes Live as Countdown to Vegas Heats Up

The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...

18/03/2026

The Premiere of Dead Lover Showcases Grave Robbing and Sex With a Giant Finger

(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...

18/03/2026

Music Row Piano from Wiltone Productions

Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...

18/03/2026

Techivation introduce T-Warmer Mk2

Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...

18/03/2026

Tonal Balance Control 3 from iZotope

Mix-reference plug-in overhauled iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...

18/03/2026

Toontrack Transistor Organ EKX

Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...

18/03/2026

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture 18 March, 2026 Media releases New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...

18/03/2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz at NAB 2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...

18/03/2026

LCTWS 2026

London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026