SHAKESPEARE & HATHAWAY: PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS RENEWED FOR SIXTH SERIES ON UKTV AND BBC

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators is returning for its sixth series, with filming starting this week in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

The new series of the hugely popular cosy-crime drama, 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, U&alibi in 2026, before launching later on the BBC and iPlayer.

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

This series sees Sebastian Brudenell (Patrick Walshe McBride) win his dream role in LA, so he drafts in his old friend from RADA. Enter Bea Gardiner (Aruhan Galieva), a fresh face and dynamic new addition to the team, stepping into the role of assistant.

Jo Joyner says: “I’m absolutely delighted to be back with Mark in beautiful Warwickshire filming the sixth series, I’m looking forward to Lu muddling her way through more mysteries - playing Luella is like slipping into a comfy pair of very bright, fluffy pink slippers!”

Mark Benton says: “When I heard we were given the green light for series six, I was thrilled. The show is very special to us. My partnership with Jo, the most wonderful crew and a script full of warmth, comedy and mystery. What a joy!”

Claire Hookway, Commissioning Executive, Drama, UKTV, says: "Our U&alibi viewers love the quirky, crime-fighting chemistry between Lu and Frank, played brilliantly by Mark Benton and Jo Joyner. We can’t wait to see more of their mismatched detective duo back in Stratford-upon-Avon in yet another series and we’re thrilled to be introducing Aruhan Galieva to the team as the excitable Bea.”

Helen Munson, Commissioner for BBC Daytime, says: “The gang are back! Lou and Frank are at their crime solving best as they return to the cobbled streets of Stratford. I’m delighted to be working with the team at BBC Studios in Birmingham again, delivering more brilliantly crafted crime mysteries, with a good dose of the humour!!”

Deborah Sathe, Creative Director for BBC Studios Drama Productions, says: “Shakespeare and Hathaway are BACK!  We are so delighted to welcome back our cast and crew to Stratford Upon Avon.  Our brilliant Executive Producer Neil Irvine has so many exciting stories planned to entertain our loyal, growing, global audience, including love affairs and hypnotists and the best Shakespeare landmarks Stratford Upon Avon can offer!”

The fifth series of Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators is currently on U&alibi on Wednesdays at 8pm. Series six will launch in 2026.