Thought It Would Be JOYFUL but Turns SAD: Melanie Walters and Steffan Rhodri’s Surprise Reunion in BBC’s New Crime drama D3ath Valley, but Instead of CONgratulations, they Face CONtroversy. WHY?
Gavin & Stacey fans were left stunned as two beloved stars ‘reunited’ in a new BBC m::rd3r mystery.
The six-part series, titled D3ath Valley, premiered last month and sees DS Janine Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) join up with TV detective John Chapel (Timothy Spall).
It airs every Sunday, and the most recent instalment caught the attention of some viewers.
During the episode, DS Janine received a call from her mother, Yvonne, who revealed a member of her walking group had been found d3ad on a trail.
Yvonne was played by Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters and her appearance in the new m::rd3r series came as a pleasant surprise to fans.
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Gavin & Stacey fans were left stunned as two beloved stars ‘reunite’ in a new BBC m:rd3r mystery

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During the episode, DS Janine received a call from her mother, Yvonne (centre), who revealed a member of her walking group had been found d3ad on a trail

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Yvonne was played by Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters (pictured, left) and her appearance in the new m:rd3r series came as a pleasant surprise to fans
Melanie portrayed Gwen West in Gavin & Stacey, a widowed mother with two children.
But she wasn’t the only star from the popular sitcom to feature in D3ath Valley.
DS Janine’s manager, DCI Barry Clarke, is played by Steffan Rhodri who starred as bus driver Dave Coaches in the BBC comedy.
Fans recognised the pair and took to social media to share their surprise.
One posted on X: ‘Not sure I can take #D3athValley seriously what with Dave coaches as a copper & now Gwen… All we need next is Ness appearing.’
Another added: ‘Dave coaches and Gwen?! When is Nessa going to make an appearance?! #d3athvalley.’
While according to the Express, someone else penned: ‘OMG Gwen and Dave Coaches!’
One fan spotted Steffan in the first episode and posted: ‘Lol Dave coaches #d3athvalley.’
Others praised the new series and gushed: ‘Absolutely loving #D3athValley on BBC One. So much fun and comedy, Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth are just brilliant! Series 2 please!’

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DS Janine’s manager, DCI Barry Clarke, is played by Steffan Rhodri (pictured) who starred as bus driver Dave Coaches in the BBC comedy

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Steffan Rhodri pictured as Dave Coaches in a previous episode of BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey
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Fans recognised the pair and took to social media to share their surprise, while others praised the new series
However, the first instalment was hit with some backlash from viewers who last week switched off the broadcaster’s new crime drama ‘after five minutes’ and complained ‘this is absolute rubbish’.
One posted on X: ‘#d3athvalley #BBC is so dreadful on every level. The woman detective is beyond irritating and embarrassing.’
‘The problems with comedy police programs like this is how they suddenly come up with such a long winded explanation of the m:rd3r without actually showing us during the program how they would come to it. #d3athvalley,’ another penned.
Someone else commented: ‘Oh that was terrible #D3athValley.’
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