Filming has begun on the fourth series of popular Bath-based detective drama McDonald & Dodds, starring Tala Gouveia and BAFTA award-winner Jason Watkins.

　　

　　Comprising three feature length films (3 x120), the guest cast for the first story includes Toby Stephens (Lost In Space), singer/songwriter Pixie Lott (The Voice Kids), Lydia Leonard (Gentleman Jack), Daniel Lapaine (Catastrophe), Dipo Ola (Landscapers), John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory』s Girl) and Ace Bhatti (Line of Duty).

　　

　　In this first film, McDonald and Dodds begin to investigate when a middle-aged woman is found shot dead in a rented flat. The killer has removed all clues to her identity, but DNA reveals she went missing over 35 years ago. Where has she been all those years? And who with?

　　

　　Returning to the cast this series are Claire Skinner (Outnumbered) who plays Chief Superintendent Ormond and Charlie Chambers (EastEnders) who plays DC Goldie. Bhavik C. Pankhania (World On Fire) joins the line up as DC Lee.

　　

　　The series has been commissioned for ITV by Polly Hill and Huw Kennair Jones and will be produced by Joe Shrubb. Executive producers are Robert Murphy, Damien Timmer and Charlotte Webber. The first film is written by Robert Murphy and directed by Khurrum M. Sultan.

　　

　　Huw Kennair Jones said:

　　「We』re thrilled to be returning to the beautiful city of Bath for more original and inventive crimes for McDonald and Dodds to solve. And it』s great to be working with Mammoth Screen, Robert Murphy and Tala and Jason once again on what promises to be another brilliant series.」