Filming is officially underway on the new Acorn TV and Channel 5 co-production, Murder Before Evensong. Based on the best-selling series of novels by British author and "celebrity vicar" the Reverend Richard Coles, the series is clearly meant to capitalize on the runaway success of similar mysteries featuring crime-solving religious types — see also: Grantchester, Father Brown, and the Sister Boniface Mysteries — but with what appears to be a more overt cozy murder sort of vibe.
Former Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis — known to many Anglophiles as Helen's ex from All Creatures Great and Small — is donning a cassock to play Canon Daniel Clement in this adaptation of the first novel in the (unsurprisingly titled) Canon Clement Mysteries. Don’t worry, should this series prove to be a success, there are already two sequels waiting in the wings: A Death in the Parish and Murder at the Monastery.
Amanda Redman (The Good Karma Hospital) has been tapped to star as Daniel's mother, Audrey, with whom he lives. Other notable cast members include Amit Shah (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) as DS Neil Vanloo, Adam James (The Day of the Jackal) as Bernard De Floures, Meghan Treadway (Trying) as Honor De Floures, Marion Bailey (The Crown) as Kath, Amanda Hadingue (Kaos) as Dora, Tamzin Outhwait (The Tower), Francis Magee (The Tourist) as Edgy, Nina Toussaint-White (Showtrial) as Jane Thwaite, and newcomer Alexander Delamain as Alex De Floures.
Here’s the series synopsis: Daniel shares Champton rectory with his widowed mother – opinionated, fearless, and ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey – and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda. When Daniel announces a plan to install a lavatory in the church, the parish is suddenly (and unexpectedly) divided: as lines are drawn, long-buried secrets come dangerously close to destroying the apparent calm of the village. And then, shockingly, a body is found dead at the back of the church, stabbed in the neck with a pair of secateurs.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be throwing on the old dog collar and...diving to the world of Champton so charmingly created by Rev. Richard Coles,” Lewis said. “I’ve been an admirer of his work for some time and love the characters and stories he’s written. It’s an honor to work with this creative team and have the opportunity to bring the character of Canon Clement to life for fans of the book and new viewers alike.”
The six-episode series is adapted by Nick Hicks-Beach (DCI Banks) and directed by David Moore (Fool Me Once). Executive producers include the Reverend Coles and Radford Neville for The Lighthouse, Catherine Mackin and Don Klees for Acorn TV/Acorn Media Enterprises, and Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5. There’s no word yet on when we can expect to see the series for ourselves, but it will likely air on Acorn TV and Channel 5 at some point in late 2025 or early 2026.
Meanwhile, BBC fans were left shocked during the 40th anniversary of EastEnders, which aired on February 19. The show celebrated this milestone with a dramatic hour-long episode featuring the devastating Queen Vic explosion.
Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) was confirmed as the first fatality, tragically crushed by falling debris after his car crashed through the pub. Viewers watched as Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) found themselves trapped amid chaos, racing against time as Reiss insisted on participating in the baby's birth just before the tragic incident occurred.
Fans are buzzing with speculation about the second death, sparked by the sudden and strange appearance of a mysterious hand, which many believe belongs to the barmaid Tracey. Social media lit up with worried fans asking, "Wait did anyone see Tracey get out?" and, "Why is no one concerned about Tracey! #EastEnders." One viewer speculated, "That hand we saw earlier. I feel like Tracey is dead #EastEnders," adding to the drama.
Also making headlines is Amy Dowden from Strictly Come Dancing, who, on February 17, received her MBE as recognition of her efforts to raise awareness for inflammatory bowel disease. During her meeting with King Charles III, Amy shared her struggles with breast cancer and her commitment to fundraising.
Then, during her celebration, she experienced a mishap when her medal fell to the floor just as her co-star Carlos Gu was taking her picture. She humorously exclaimed, "Ohhh my medal," adding some light-heartedness to the occasion. Amy later reassured viewers, "It’s safe, it’s in the box," handling the moment with grace and humor.
All this exciting content adds to the rich variety of BBC programming, showcasing heartfelt moments, thrilling drama, and engaging adaptations, stirring anticipation for viewers across the network.