Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators has been recommissioned for a series 6, with the cast and crew currently filming on the “the cobbled streets of Stratford-upon-Avon”.
The new series of the hugely popular cosy-crime drama sees the return of Mark Benton and Jo Joyner as the mismatched detective duo Frank Hathaway and Lu Shakespeare.
Fans are currently enjoying series 5 on U&Alibi, which will later air on BBC One. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming series 6, including expected start date.
Is there a series 6 of Shakespeare & Hathaway?
U&Alibi has confirmed that Jo Joyner and Mark Benton will be back for more episodes of Shakespeare & Hathaway in series 6.
Created by Paul Matthew Thompson and the late Jude Tindall, the series follows an “unlikely pair of private investigators”. Mark Benton stars as hardboiled ex-cop Frank Hathawa, who teams up with warm-hearted ex-hairdresser Lu Shakespeare (Jo Joyner).
Together they “work the cobbled streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, solving thrilling cases and murders most foul”.
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.”
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. We’ll deliver more brilliantly crafted crime mysteries, with a good dose of the humour!”
Is Patrick Walshe McBride leaving Shakespeare & Hathaway?
In Shakespeare & Hathaway series 6, viewers will see Sebastian Brudenell (Patrick Walshe McBride) win his dream role in LA…
So sadly, this means he’ll be leaving the show.
However, he drafts in his old friend from RADA to help. Enter Bea Gardiner (Aruhan Galieva) who steps into the role of assistant. Claire Hookway describes her as a “fresh face and dynamic new addition to the team”.
Who’s in the cast?
U&Alibi are “thrilled” to be introducing Aruhan Galieva to the team as the excitable Bea. Fledging actress Aruhan Galieva steps into the spotlight as the newest member of the Shakespeare & Hathaway core cast.
She’s best known for playing Besa Kotti in BBC medical drama Doctors, a role she played between
Of course, former EastEnders’ star Jo Joyner will be back as Lu Shakespeare. She 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, who returns as Frank Hathaway, adds: “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!”
Lastly, we’re expecting lots of famous faces in the guest cast – but these haven’t yet been announced.
How to watch it and when’s the start date?
The new series of the hugely popular cosy-crime drama will premiere exclusively on UKTV’s specialist crime drama channel, U&Alibi, in 2026.
It will subsequently launch on the BBC and iPlayer.
Series five is currently airing on U&Alibi. Series one to four are currently available on BBC iPlayer.
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