Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters is set to star in a 'deliciously dark' new drama series set in Swansea, titled Santa Maria. The actress, known for playing Gwen West in the hit BBC comedy, will appear alongside Siân Reese-Williams from The Light in the Hall.
About Santa Maria
Described by producers as 'warm, funny and vibrant' and a 'far cry from our usual Welsh noir', the series follows two families from very different backgrounds whose lives become entangled through the actions of a saintly but strung-out cleaner named Maria. The production is a collaboration between ITV and Welsh-language broadcaster S4C, premiering in Welsh before airing in English on ITV.
Cast and Crew
Joining Walters and Reese-Williams are Matthew Gravelle (The Pact), Hannah Daniel (Hinterland), Richard Harrington (Steeltown Murders), and Oliver John (Still Waters). Walters has also appeared in Being Human and Beyond Paradise.
Behind the Scenes
Gwenllian Gravelle, S4C's head of film and drama, said Santa Maria 'explores the striking contrasts of life in Swansea, where two very different worlds exist side by side'. She added: 'Set against the city and Mumbles' iconic blue skies, this deliciously dark comedy-drama captures Swansea in all its diversity; vibrant, complex and unmistakably real.'
Darren Nartey, head of content acquisitions at ITV, expressed pride in bringing 'this fascinating, quintessentially Welsh story' to audiences, with the series set to air in 2027. Welsh politician Adam Price, cabinet minister for enterprise, connectivity, and energy, noted that the production is expected to deliver around £5.7 million in economic return for Wales through Creative Wales' investment.
Release Schedule
Santa Maria will premiere in Welsh on S4C in early 2027, followed by an English-language broadcast on ITV later that year.
