Attention, detective drama fans! Cooper and Fry is the “unguessable” Channel 5 series to add to your watchlist

Calling all detective drama fans! Channel 5 is continuing to build on its slate of must-watch shows and the latest is one to add to your watchlist. Cooper and Fry is the "unguessable" new detective series based on the best-selling novels of Stephen Booth and follows a pair of young, mismatched detectives, played by none other than Downton Abbey's Robert James-Collier and Doctor Who's Mandip Gill.

James-Collier will plays Ben Cooper, an “affable local” cop, who's thrown together with "guarded newcomer" Diane Fry (Gill) to investigate a series of strange deaths in the mystery-shrouded Peak District. And while they might not immediately seem like a match made in heaven, an unlikely partnership forms, which could even blossom into friendship.

While we await the show’s arrival on Channel 5, here’s everything you need to know about the plot, cast, and where to watch it.

What is Cooper and Fry about?

As we mentioned, Robert Jaames-Collier and Mandip Gill play the unlikely detective duo at the heart of the series, known as Ben Cooper Diane Fry. The pair are tasked with investigating a series of strange deaths in the Peak District - but can they put their differences aside in order to solve the mysteries behind them?

The official synopsis continues: “As their personal lives begin to intertwine, a unique friendship begins to form… But it won’t always be easy.” Although little else has been revealed in terms of plot, Cooper and Fry looks to have elements of a classic murder mystery. Cooper has spent his entire life in the small Derbyshire village that the show is set in, while Fry has just moved there – meaning it’s the first time that the rookie detectives have worked together.

The detective series is an adaptation of English crime writer Stephen Booth’s early books – Black Dog, Dying to Sin, Blind to the Bones and Dancing with the Virgins, the first of which was published in 2000. Currently, there are 18 Cooper and Fry novels – meaning that, excitingly, there’s plenty of scope for future series, too.

Who's starring in Cooper and Fry?

Robert James-Collier, who played polarising figure Thomas Barrow in Downton Abbey (pictured above) and has also starred in The Inheritance, takes on the role of Cooper. Meanwhile Mandip Gill, who played Yasmin Khan in Doctor Who and starred in Curfew, will appear as Fry.

Gill has played a police role before, acting as a PC in mischievous sitcom Can You Keep a Secret? alongside Dawn French. Both co-stars cut their teeth in soaps, with James-Collier appearing in Coronation Street and Gill on Hollyoaks.

Is Cooper and Fry any good?

Since it’s yet to air, we can’t give you our full review just now. But with two much-loved stars – Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill – at the helm, it’s got all the ingredients for a great watch. You can bet the storyline will be packed with twists and turns, too – as it’s based on the work of award-winning crime writer Stephen Booth.

How can I watch Cooper and Fry?

Stay tuned, as Channel 5 hasn't yet shared a release date for Cooper and Fry. We do know, however, that it will air on Channel 5, and is due to be split into four episodes of two hours each. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we'll share it here. As well as Cooper and Fry, the broadcaster has commissioned a wide variety of shows that also look like must-sees, including Death In Benidorm, Number One Fan, Imposter, and more.

What other detective dramas can I watch?

Good news: there are plenty of incredible detective TV coming our way. As mentioned, there’s the upcoming Death In Benidorm, which follows detective Dennis Crown who has left behind his UK life to run a bar in Spain. Then there’s the exceptional police drama Annika, starring Nicola Walker, which has a second series renewal coming to the BBC. Also set to return with a second instalment is ITV’s epic crime drama Karen Pirie, which will reunite us with the titular Scottish investigator.