Hairdresser secrets & murder: new bbc series promises small-town intrigue

Forget procedural dramas – the next cosy crime obsession is cutting hair. The Hairdresser Mysteries, starring Sally Phillips, dives into a 1970s village where a newly-arrived stylist unearths a series of unsettling secrets, one perfectly coiffed client at a time.

A detective with scissors

Phillips, known for her sharp wit in Miranda and the Bridget Jones films, embodies Lili Petal, a city escapee who sets up shop in the sleepy village of Little Puddleton. But her meticulous attention to detail – a skillset honed over years of transforming appearances – quickly proves surprisingly useful in exposing the town's dark underbelly. According to the BBC, Lili’s ‘uncannily developed hairdressing intuitive, empathy and understanding’ becomes a surprisingly effective investigative tool.

The series, penned by Jim Cartwright, features a cast of delightfully quirky characters – a gossiping village busybody, a hapless young police officer, and a mysterious antiques dealer. It’s a deliberate homage to beloved series like Ludwig and Death Valley, offering a similar blend of gentle humor and simmering suspense.

The cast

Alongside Phillips, Charlotte Jordan plays Clary Coombs, her astute assistant. Ben Castle-Gibb portrays PC Adam Watson, a young officer hopelessly smitten with Clary. Sunetra Sarker brings the village’s relentless gossip, Wincey Evans, to life, while Clive Rowe embodies Lonnie, the manager of the local charity shop. Guy Henry rounds out the core group as Race Runard, a man shrouded in secrets and surrounded by dusty relics.

Guest stars include Wendi Peters as Gloria Crudd, a newcomer with big dreams (and even bigger secrets) – a potential ice cream parlor owner eager to shake up Little Puddleton. The six 45-minute episodes are slated for a July release on BBC One and iPlayer, guaranteeing a welcome dose of intrigue this summer.

Let’s be honest: a murder mystery solved with a blow-dryer is a premise ripe for darkly delightful television. And with Sally Phillips at the helm, The Hairdresser Mysteries is poised to become a genuine favourite.