Dalziel and Pascoe Reboot to Feature Female Leads in Major Casting Shake-Up
The upcoming reboot of the beloved television series Dalziel and Pascoe is set to undergo a dramatic transformation, with reports indicating that the two main detective roles will be played by female actors. This significant casting decision represents a major departure from the original run of the show, which aired from 1996 to 2007 and starred Colin Buchanan and Warren Clarke as the titular duo.
A Controversial Shift for Longtime Fans
According to sources close to the production, this casting move is expected to "rattle" longtime fans of the series. The decision raises important questions about whether the reboot will maintain a faithful connection to the original programme or instead forge an entirely new path. A source revealed: "This will be a huge shock for fans of Dalziel and Pascoe – with the two coppers being played by women. While it was never in doubt that the programme would undergo a recast, many of the old-school drama fans won't be expecting to see two women in these legendary roles."
The source further elaborated to The Sun: "It will certainly raise questions about if the new reboot will discard the previous iteration altogether or if some bizarre explanation will be offered up on-screen." This development places the series within a broader television trend of gender-swapped roles, reminiscent of Doctor Who's 2017 casting of Jodie Whittaker as the first female Time Lord.
Returning to Yorkshire After Nearly Two Decades
ITV announced last month that they would be reviving Dalziel and Pascoe after a nineteen-year absence from television screens. Filming for the new series is scheduled to commence this spring, with the production returning to the fictional Yorkshire setting established in Reginald Hill's original book series. The drama traditionally centres on Detective Superintendent Andrew Dalziel and his newly qualified counterpart, Detective Sergeant Peter Pascoe, whose contrasting policing methods create both conflict and a formidable investigative partnership.
The original series, set in the fictional town of Wetherton, followed the duo through numerous gruesome murder investigations during its eleven-year run on BBC One. Warren Clarke, who portrayed Dalziel, passed away in 2014 following a short illness, while Colin Buchanan has not appeared on screen since his role in the 2009 television film Diverted.
A New Dynamic for a Contemporary Audience
The new six-part series is expected to premiere before the end of 2026 and will explore the same core storylines from Hill's novels, albeit with a fresh perspective. Nana Hughes, the head of ITV comedy, expressed enthusiasm for the project: "It’s a genuine privilege to bring Reginald Hill’s much-loved Dalziel and Pascoe back to the screen for a new audience. At the heart of this series is the enduring, unexpected chemistry between two very different detectives, and we’re excited to explore that new dynamic."
Jon Farrar of Britbox added: "Dalziel and Pascoe has always been about friction, intellect, and the uneasy bond of opposites, forged in pursuit of truth. Their chemistry, wit, and moral clarity perfectly complement this richly layered mystery. It’s timeless crime storytelling that not only honours but sharpens its legacy." He further described the contemporary drama as "packed with intrigue, wit and gripping mystery narratives" and noted it would be "a distinct and exciting addition to our renowned detective slate."
Daily Mail has contacted a representative for ITV for comment regarding the casting reports. The reboot represents a bold reimagining of a classic British detective series, aiming to introduce the iconic characters to a global audience while navigating the challenges of modern television expectations and fan nostalgia.
