ITV’s beloved Bath-based detective drama, McDonald and Dodds, is set to return for a thrilling fourth series. The upcoming season will see Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia reprise their roles as DS Dodds and DCI Lauren McDonald.
The cast also welcomes back Outnumbered star Claire Skinner, who portrays Chief Superintendent Ormond, and EastEnders actor Charlie Chambers, in the role of DC Goldie. Bhavik C. Pankhania, known from World On Fire, joins the lineup as DC Lee.
As per tradition, the series will introduce a host of guest actors, with some stellar stars joining the line-up for the first story. The guest cast boasts Lost In Space star Toby Stephens, Singer and The Voice Kids UK sensation Pixie Lott, and Gentleman Jack’s Lydia Lenoard.
Also featuring is Catastrophe’s Daniel Lapaine, Landscapers star Dipo Ola, Gregory’s Girl actor John Gordon Sinclair, and Line of Duty’s Ace Bhatti. The first story in the three-part series, titled The Rule of Three, sees McDonald and Dodds delve into an investigation when a middle-aged woman is found shot dead in a rented flat, reports OK!.
The murderer has “removed all clues to her identity, but DNA reveals she’s a missing person who vanished on her way home from school, 38 years ago.”
McDonald and Dodds are intrigued. Where has she been all those years? And who with? And who, after all this time, would want her dead?
A synopsis reads: “When McDonald and Dodds discover the body of a woman that’s been missing for over 35 years, they are sucked into an investigation that brings them into the dark heart of one of Bath’s wealthiest families.”
McDonald and Dodds season 4 guest cast
Toby Stephens plays Mark Holgate
Toby plays Mark, whose sister disappeared 30 years ago. Toby is best known for the sci-fi series Lost in Space, which saw him play John Robinson between 2018 and 2021.
He has also starred in Die Another Day, Hunter Killer, and 13 Hours, as well as the television series Black Sails and Captain Flint.
Lydia Leonard plays Lucy Holgate
Gentleman Jack actor Lydia stars as Mark’s wife. Lydia’s credits include playing Cherie Blair in the Netflix hit The Crown, Rebecca Fix in Ten Percent, Red Election, Absentia, and Flesh and Blood.
She also played Mariana Lawton in the ITV series Gentleman Jack. Soap stars might also recognise Lydia from Casualty.
Pixie Lott plays Lola Baker
Pixie is a singer-songwriter who is also a judge on The Voice Kids UK. It’s not her first time in an acting role, however, as Pixie has previously starred in an episode of Inspector George Gently as well as films Beastly and The Inbetweeners movie.
Dipo Ola plays Cal Baker
Dipo plays Lola’s husband Cal. Viewers will recognise Dipo from his previous crime thriller roles including Baba Lenga in We Hunt Together and Sky Atlantic’s true crime drama Landscapers, where he plays Douglas Hylton.
John Gordon Sinclair embodies Nevis McLintock
John Gordon Sinclair steps into the shoes of a tree surgeon. John gained fame from the 1980s romantic comedy film Gregory’s Girl, and was also a regular face in the 90s television series Loved by You.
More recently, he featured in the crime drama Traces as Drew Cubbin.
Daniel Lapaine takes on the role of Brad Coleman
Daniel portrays Brad, an antique dealer, and Lola’s stepfather. He is most recognised for his part as Dave in Channel 4’s comedy Catastrophe and has also graced the screen in ITV’s popular drama The Durrells as Hugh Jarvis and Tim Minchin’s Upright.
His other notable roles include appearances in Black Mirror and Hotel Babylon.
Ace Bhatti brings to life George Sharma
Ace takes on the character of George Sharma, Lucy’s lawyer. Audiences will likely recognise Ace from his roles in Line of Duty, Baptiste, EastEnders, and the blockbuster film Bohemian Rhapsody.
McDonald & Dodds returns with series four on ITV1 and ITVX at 8pm on Sunday, July 21.