Shakespeare & Hathaway Returning to BBC One

The third season of the BBC One daytime drama Shakespeare & Hathaway is set to return next month, with a raft of guest stars slated to make appearances.

Filmed in Stratford-upon-Avon, the new season will feature more comical mysteries and dodgy dealings, as the protagonists Frank and Lu find themselves hunting down clues, solving crimes and fending off ruthless killers. The upcoming season will include a guest lineup that features Jim Moir (Vic and Bob’s Big Night Out), Ted Robbins (Little Britain) and Josette Simon (Lewis), among a wealth of others.

Tamzin Outhwaite (Eastenders), Simon Williams (Upstairs, Downstairs) and Sally Lindsay (Cold Call) are also scheduled to make appearances.

Shakespeare & Hathaway starts on February 3 on BBC One at 2:15 p.m., and then every weekday following. The whole series will be available on BBC iPlayer on February 3.

Moir said: “It was one of my best acting experiences of last year, working with one of my best friends Mark Benton. And my new friend Jo Joyner.”

Outhwaite said: “I absolutely loved playing the feisty tiger mum Jessica in Shakespeare & Hathaway! The script was great fun and the cast is a dream to work with.”

Williams said: “It’s not often that acting’s as much fun as this. Good scripts, excellent friendly regulars, top director, and gorgeous location—what’s not to like?”

Lindsay commented: “The most fun you can have in Stratford-upon-Avon in mid-December. Great story and lovely talented cast.”

Robbins said: “I was so delighted to be asked to appear on Shakespeare & Hathaway having worked with Jo Joyner in Ackley Bridge and Mark Benton in CBBC’s The Slammer before. The role of both a bingo hall caller and murder suspect was novel, to say the least, and I got to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon—but I didn’t manage to meet up with old William Shakespeare. All in all a ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ of a job!”

Ceri Meyrick, executive producer of Shakespeare & Hathaway, added: “I’m delighted with the array of star talent joining as guest characters this year. This series promises much more murder and mayhem, plus a hint at the past lives of both Frank and Lu as we meet Frank’s old nemesis and we find out why Lu really left the hairdressing business.”