Murder Before Evensong: The Happy Valley and New Tricks Stars Reunite in the Whodunnit We’ve Been Waiting For

Air Date: 7 October 2025 | Channel: Channel 5 | Genre: Crime Drama / Whodunnit

For fans of crime drama, especially classic British whodunnits, this week marks an unmissable event. Murder Before Evensong, adapted from Reverend Richard Coles’ bestselling novel of the same name, finally premieres on Channel 5. This series offers a rare chance to see the beloved casts of Happy Valley and New Tricks come together in a story filled with suspense, humor, and intrigue—promising the “10/10” whodunnit experience that viewers have been craving.

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Setting and Storyline

Murder Before Evensong unfolds across six episodes, set in Champton, a quaint English town that hides more secrets than it appears. The story centers on Canon Daniel Clement, played by Matthew Lewis, known to many as Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter and more recently for his role in Happy Valley. Daniel is a young clergyman living with his outspoken widowed mother, Audrey (Amanda Redman), and their two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.

The tranquility of the Rectory is disrupted when Daniel announces a seemingly mundane plan: to install a lavatory in the church. What appears as a small, practical decision quickly divides the parish, sparking heated debates and exposing underlying tensions in the community.

But the controversy over the toilet is only the beginning. The peace of Champton is shattered when Anthony Bowness, the cousin of the church’s patron Bernard de Floures (played by Adam James), is discovered dead at the back of the church—stabbed in the neck with a pair of garden shears. This shocking discovery sets off a chain of events that thrusts Canon Daniel Clement into the role of an accidental detective. His mission: to hold his fractured community together while unmasking a killer.

The story’s intrigue lies not just in identifying the murderer but in exploring how personal grudges, hidden desires, and secrets can tear a small town apart.

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Star-Studded Cast

One of the series’ most compelling aspects is its ensemble cast, blending familiar faces with veteran actors:

• Matthew Lewis as Canon Daniel Clement: The actor has expressed being “beyond thrilled” to step into Daniel’s shoes. “I’ve long admired Reverend Coles’ work and love the characters he’s created. It’s an honor to bring Canon Clement to life for both fans of the books and new viewers,” Lewis said.

• Amanda Redman as Audrey: Daniel’s widowed mother, sharp-tongued and often hilariously meddling, provides both conflict and comic relief.

• Amit Shah as DS Neil Vanloo: The diligent detective, offering professional insight into the investigation and guiding viewers through the mystery.

• Adam James as Bernard De Floures: The church’s patron, whose family ties directly link him to the first murder.

• Meghan Treadway as Honor De Floures & Alexander Delamain as Alex De Floures: Other family members, each with their own motives, adding layers to the mystery.

• Marion Bailey, Amanda Hadingue, Tamzin Outhwaite, Francis Magee, Nina Toussaint-White: Supporting characters who deepen the plot with their own secrets, relationships, and hidden agendas.

These actors bring not only professional skill but also a vibrant energy that turns the town of Champton into a living, breathing character, from everyday life and parish disputes to the high-stakes tension of murder investigation.

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The Author and Adaptation

Reverend Richard Coles, a priest and bestselling author, has crafted multiple novels around Canon Daniel Clement. Murder Before Evensong is the first in this series, followed by A Death in the Parish and Murder at the Monastery. Should the Channel 5 adaptation succeed, these titles may also find their way to the screen, expanding the universe of Champton mysteries.

Coles not only authored the original work but also serves as executive producer, ensuring the series retains the essence of his novels. Scriptwriter Nick Hicks-Beach, known for Midsomer Murders, brings expertise in pacing and suspense, maintaining a tightly woven narrative while staying faithful to the source material.

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Whodunnit Style and Pacing

Murder Before Evensong excels in combining classic whodunnit elements with contemporary storytelling:

1. Classic mystery: Each episode presents a new clue or complication, keeping viewers guessing until the final reveal.

2. Humor and family dynamics: The ongoing banter between Daniel and Audrey provides comic relief, balancing tension with charm.

3. Small-town intrigue: Champton itself becomes a character, filled with residents whose secrets and ambitions drive the narrative.

4. Attention to detail: Even seemingly minor elements, like the garden shears used as the murder weapon or the parish toilet dispute, are pivotal to the plot.

This balance ensures the series appeals to die-hard whodunnit fans as well as viewers who enjoy social drama and character-driven storytelling.

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Notable Scenes

Several key scenes have already generated buzz through trailers and interviews:

• The church debate scene: Daniel’s announcement about installing a lavatory triggers hilarious and tense arguments among parishioners, showcasing the series’ ability to blend humor with drama.

• The discovery of the first body: Anthony Bowness’ murder is filmed with meticulous attention to lighting, sound, and framing, creating an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere.

• DS Neil Vanloo’s investigation: The detective’s questioning and analysis add realism and methodical problem-solving to the story while maintaining dramatic tension.

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Why Audiences Can’t Miss It

1. Actor chemistry: Matthew Lewis and Amanda Redman bring a compelling mother-son dynamic that adds depth to the series.

2. Classic whodunnit intrigue: Every character has motives and secrets, making the mystery genuinely unpredictable.

3. Multilayered storytelling: Beyond murder, the series explores community tensions, family dynamics, and social commentary.

4. Expansion potential: Success could lead to adaptations of Coles’ other novels, creating a long-running crime drama universe.

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Viewing Details

Murder Before Evensong premieres Tuesday, 7 October 2025, on Channel 5. The six episodes, each roughly 50 minutes, promise a binge-worthy journey full of suspense, secrets, and surprises.

Fans can also follow behind-the-scenes clips, cast interviews, and exclusive content via Channel 5’s social media platforms.

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Early Reception

Early reviews praise the series as a “10/10 whodunnit,” highlighting:

• A tightly crafted, twist-filled script.

• Strong performances, especially the interplay between Lewis and Redman.

• The perfect blend of suspense and humor, keeping audiences engaged and entertained.

• Beautifully shot English countryside settings that bring Champton to life.

Critics suggest that Murder Before Evensong may become one of 2025’s standout crime dramas, particularly for viewers who love traditional British mysteries with a modern sensibility.

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Conclusion

Murder Before Evensong is more than just a crime drama—it’s a perfectly balanced whodunnit that combines suspense, humor, and character-driven storytelling. With Matthew Lewis, Amanda Redman, and a talented supporting cast, alongside Reverend Richard Coles’ guidance as executive producer, the series is poised to be a must-watch for fans of crime and mystery.

Across six gripping episodes, viewers will follow a trail of clues, uncover hidden motives, and attempt to unmask the killer before the final reveal. With the potential to adapt additional novels in the Canon Daniel Clement series, Channel 5 may just have launched the next great British crime drama franchise.

Air Date: 7 October 2025 | Channel 5
Episodes: 6 | Approx. 50 minutes each
Genre: Crime Drama / Whodunnit / Family Drama