A new Welsh detective drama is set to captivate audiences as Cleddau, an emotionally charged thriller, premieres on S4C. The six-part series, set in the scenic backdrop of Pembrokeshire, combines a tense murder investigation with a simmering, unresolved love affair. Featuring a talented Welsh cast and crew, Cleddau promises to be one of the standout crime dramas of the year.
The series follows DI Ffion Lloyd, played by Aberystwyth-born actress Elen Rhys (FBI International, Agatha Raisin), as she investigates the murder of a nurse in a coastal town in West Wales. Lloyd is forced to team up with her ex-lover, DS Rick Sheldon, portrayed by Merthyr actor Richard Harrington (Hinterland, McDonald & Dodds), rekindling past tensions with devastating consequences. Together, they must unearth the truth behind the killing while confronting the raw and unresolved emotions that still linger between them.
Elen Rhys expressed her excitement about taking on such a complex role in her native Welsh language, saying: “I’ve wanted to do a nice meaty role in the Welsh language for a very long time. The Welsh crew are different. It’s very small, family vibe, respectful and professional. I have very fond memories of filming and feel very proud of what we’ve achieved.”
Richard Harrington, meanwhile, revealed that DS Rick Sheldon is the character he feels most connected to among the many roles he has played. He explained: “This detective is a lot more colourful and a lot more in touch with who he is, probably a lot more like me. I think that’s a gift sometimes when you get a part where you can use the parts of who you are.”
The series is written by the acclaimed Catherine Tregenna (Three Pines, Law & Order, The Bench), whose work is known for its depth and emotional insight. Tregenna’s decision to set the story in her native West Wales adds a personal layer to the drama. Cleddau not only explores the complex relationship between its two leads but also delves into the emotional impact of their shared history, making it as much a forensic examination of love as it is of crime.
Director Siôn Ifan, a self-confessed lover of crime dramas, said Cleddau stands out for its focus on character development. “The script struck me, how personal it was. You’d sometimes forget about the case and the murder in a way as you concentrate on these characters, two people navigating the space for the first time in twelve years.”
The production also showcases a range of stellar guest performances, with Ifan praising the cast for delivering powerful, unexpected moments throughout filming. “As well as our two main actors, the guest artists’ performances were incredible – you see them go to places you didn’t expect, it was a joy to watch,” he said.
Produced by Blacklight for S4C and distributed by Banijay Rights, Cleddau benefits from support from the Welsh Government through Creative Wales. Gwenllian Gravelle, S4C’s Head of Drama, expressed her enthusiasm for the series: “I’m thrilled that the audience will finally get to see our gripping new drama, Cleddau. With thanks to our co-funders, Banijay and Creative Wales, we can’t wait to showcase the iconic location of Pembroke Dock, the dynamic cast, and a personal spin on the procedural crime show.”
Ben Bickerton of Blacklight added: “Cleddau is a tense, thrilling, high-stakes crime story that delves deep into detectives’ Ffion and Rick’s personal lives, uncovering devastating secrets from the past, with twists and turns that never let go.”
Creative Wales, which supported the bilingual production, highlighted the unique format as a showcase of Welsh language talent and a means of reaching broader audiences internationally. Interim Head Joedi Langley said: “Cleddau is another fantastic example of the high-quality homegrown dramas coming out of Wales. The unique back-to-back bilingual filming format not only champions our Welsh language but also creates opportunities for the story to reach bigger audiences through international distributors.”
The first episode of Cleddau airs on 13th October at 9pm on S4C, with all episodes available to stream on S4C Clic and iPlayer from the same date.
