The UK has had the wettest February on record and Storm Jorge has battered most of the UK all weekend, so it’s the perfect time to spend a cosy Sunday evening in front of ITV’s newest drama, McDonald and Dodds.
The show is about two detectives, who according to ITV’s synopsis, are ‘thrown together with seemingly nothing in common’ who go on to ‘forge a rumbustious, entertaining and ultimately… effective partnership.’
The show takes place in Bath, and each episode brings viewers a new murder mystery and a slew of guest stars.
So, who is in the cast, when does the show start and how many episodes are there?
McDonald and Dodds cast members
Jason Watkins as DS Dodds
Described as shy and unassuming, DS Dodds has been happily
working the desk life for most of his time on the force – until he’s forced to work with DCI McDonald and go out on the frontline, deciphering mysteries and murders.
He’s played by BAFTA award-winning actor Jason Watkins.
Watkins played Prime Minister Harold Wilson in season three of The Crown, as well as appearing in Line of Duty, A Very English Scandal and Being Human.
Tala Gouveia as DCI Lauren McDonald
The show’s write-up describes Lauren McDonald as a ‘tough, driven, battering ram of a cop’ who has transferred from South London to the sleepy streets of Bath.
She’s played by actress Tala Gouveia, who has previously appeared in Cold Feet, Plebs and Tracey Ullman’s Show.
James Murray as Chief Superintendent John Houseman
Chief Superintendent John Houseman is the big boss who doesn’t want newcomer McDonald rubbing up the wrong characters in Bath.
Actor James Murray, the husband to actress Sarah Parish, has previously starred in Cucumber, Cutting it and Primeval.
Robert Lindsay guest stars as Max Crockett
The first episode kicks off with a man being shot to death in Crockett’s house – and McDonald and Dodds must work out who he is, who killed him, why, and how.
Crockett is played by BAFTA, Tony and Olivier winning Robert
Lindsay, who has starred in Brit sitcom My Family as well as major Hollywood movies including Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Grace of Monaco alongside Nicole Kidman.
Rosalie Craig as Megan Wattal
Megan is one of Max Crockett’s daughters.
She is played by Rosalie Craig, who has had a successful stage career performing in Company and The Light Princess, which landed her an Olivier nomination.
Navin Chowdhry as Pete Wattal
Pete is Megan’s husband, who is keen to inherit his wife’s family’s empire.
Navin Chowdhry has formerly starred in Our Girl and Doctor Foster.
Susannah Fielding as Tamara Valentine
The second of Max Crockett’s daughters, Susannah is desperate to prove she and her husband can take over the family business.
Susannah Fielding’s previous credits include an appearance on Doctor Who and a successful stage career.
Jack Ashton as Jack Valentine
Playing Tamara’s husband, Jack Ashton has previously starred in Broadchurch and Call the Midwife – and is the real-life partner of Helen George who plays Nurse Trixie Franklin on the show.
Ellie Kendrick as Elenora Crockett
The third Crockett daughter, Elenora has gone in an independent direction to her sisters, opening her own bakery in Bath with her wife.
Ellie Kendrick is most famous for starring in Game of Thrones as Meera Reed.
Cassie Bradley as Kasha Perry
Elenora’s wife Kasha has never been accepted into the Crockett family, being the lesbian wife of one of Max’s daughters.
Cassie Bradley has starred in Coronation Street as Natalie Watkins and Casualty as Leigh-Anne Carr.
Natalie Mendoza as Mathilde Crockett
Natalie Mendoza plays Max Crockett’s young, pregnant wife, Mathilde whom his daughters are suspicious of.
Mendoza has previously starred in Hotel Babylon, Holby City and Midsomer Murders.
When is McDonald and Dodds on?
The first two-hour episode airs tonight from 8pm on ITV.
How many episodes of McDonald and Dodds are there?
For now, there are just two episodes – but they are both two-hour long mini-movie type features.
McDonald and Dodds airs tonight on ITV at 8pm
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