Jo Joyner Confirms Shock Comeback as Shakespeare & Hathaway Begins Filming Fifth Series After Two-Year Hiatus

Fans of cozy British crime dramas received a surprise treat this week when Jo Joyner revealed that she has returned to the set to shoot a fifth series of Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. After a two-year absence from television screens—and widespread speculation that the show might not return—BBC viewers can once again look forward to the quirky crime-solving adventures set in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Joyner, best known to many for her long-running role in EastEnders, reprises her fan-favourite character Luella Shakespeare, the stylish former hairdresser who unexpectedly finds herself solving murders alongside veteran private investigator Frank Hathaway, played by Mark Benton. The duo’s unlikely chemistry, warm humour, and gentle approach to the murder-mystery format quickly earned the series a devoted audience since its debut in 2018.

The announcement of production on Series 5 came as a surprise partly because no new episodes had aired since 2022. With no official confirmation of renewal at the time, many viewers assumed the crime-comedy hybrid had quietly concluded. However, Joyner’s recent statement on social media confirmed that filming is now underway in the scenic, historic surroundings of Stratford-upon-Avon.

The BBC has since released its own confirmation, along with an enthusiastic statement from Helen Munson, Commissioner for BBC Daytime.

“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,” Munson said.

Her comment hints that the fifth series will continue the show’s successful formula—lighthearted cases, colourful supporting characters, eccentric suspects, and the distinctive blend of humour and mystery that sets the series apart in the crowded British crime landscape.

A New Broadcast Path for the Hit Crime Drama

In another twist, the BBC confirmed that the new season will premiere first on Alibi, UKTV’s dedicated crime drama channel, before later airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The shift marks a strategic partnership allowing Alibi to host the series’ debut, while the BBC retains long-term broadcast rights.

Alibi has been expanding its slate of original and exclusive crime content, and securing the premiere window for Shakespeare & Hathaway represents a significant acquisition for the channel. The show’s first four seasons remain available on BBC iPlayer, allowing new fans to catch up and long-time viewers to revisit their favourite cases.

Although full details of the new storylines have not yet been announced, the production team has confirmed that audiences can expect the same cozy style that made the series a British daytime favourite. From suspicious shopkeepers and eccentric actors to feuding families and village scandals, the charming mysteries of Stratford-upon-Avon have proven endlessly fertile ground for storytelling.

The Return of a Fan-Favourite Duo

The heart of the show remains the dynamic between Joyner and Benton. Luella Shakespeare’s upbeat optimism and sharp intuition complement Frank Hathaway’s world-weary cynicism and detective experience, creating a partnership that feels both authentic and quietly comedic. Their mismatched personalities, warm rapport, and occasional disagreements have been central to the show’s appeal since its debut.

Joyner’s return is particularly celebrated by fans, many of whom had expressed disappointment when the show paused and feared her busy acting schedule might prevent future seasons. Known for her range across comedy and drama, Joyner brings depth and charm to Luella, making her one of the more distinctive stylised detectives in modern British television.

Mark Benton’s portrayal of Frank Hathaway—a former police detective turned somewhat reluctant private investigator—grounds the series with a blend of dry humour, gruff intelligence, and understated humanity. Together, the pair have created one of the most beloved double acts in contemporary British crime television.

A Growing Era for Cozy Crime

The revival of Shakespeare & Hathaway fits into a broader trend: a resurging appetite for “cozy crime” television. These series combine murder mysteries with warmth, humour, and picturesque settings—offering escapism without the dark intensity of many modern thrillers. Other shows in the same vein, including Death in Paradise, Sister Boniface, and Father Brown (whose twelfth season is also on the way), continue to draw significant audiences across daytime and streaming platforms.

With beautifully filmed locations, gentle humour, and approachable mysteries, the fifth installment of Shakespeare & Hathaway seems poised to continue satisfying viewers who prefer their crimes intriguing but not grim.

Looking Ahead

While the BBC and UKTV remain tight-lipped about the exact plotlines for Series 5, anticipation is already building. New adventures, new rivalries, and new eccentric suspects are expected to once again parade through the cobbled lanes, Tudor façades, and historic charm of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Production continues, with the season set to premiere on Alibi next year before making its way to the BBC and iPlayer.

For fans of gentle, character-driven detective stories, the return of Lu and Frank marks a welcome comeback—and a reassuring reminder that in Stratford-upon-Avon, the mysteries are never quite finished.