Steeltown Murders cast: Who stars in the BBC drama?
STEELTOWN Murders tells the horrific true story of the murders of three young women in the 1970s.
The BBC drama brings with it an incredible cast of talented actors from across the UK.
Who is in the cast of Steeltown Murders?
Set in both 1973 and the early 2000s, Steeltown Murders is a true crime BBC One drama.
The series centres on the hunt to catch the killer of three young women in the Port Talbot area and the remarkable story of how – in the first case of its kind – the mystery was solved almost 30 years later using pioneering DNA evidence.
Contrasting the policing methods of the 1970s with the forensic breakthroughs of the early Noughties, Steeltown Murders is a portrait of a town dealing with the repercussions of an unsolved case three decades on.
The four-part series brings with it an all-star cast from Wales and beyond.
Philip Glenister as DCI Paul Bethell
Philip Glenister plays DCI Paul Bethell, who was responsible for helping to solve the case after it went cold for over 30 years.
Previously speaking about working with his fellow cast members, Philip told the BBC: “What I have noticed about being in this production and filming in Wales is how close everybody is.
“Everybody knows each other, I feel like I am gate-crashing the party.
“But they have been so welcoming and nice to me. I told them I support Wales in rugby, couldn’t actually say it for football, but rugby definitely, always have done.
“It’s been a really, really enjoyable experience for me.”
Away from Steeltown Murders, Philip is best known for starring in the noughties smash hit crime drama Life On Mars.
His other big acting roles include taking on the lead role in the ITV period drama Belgravia, which aired in the UK and America.
Steffan Rhodri as Phil ‘Bach’ Rees
Joining Philip in the co-lead role is Steffan Rhodri, who plays Phil ‘Bach’ Rees, who joined DCO Bethell in solving the case.
Speaking about what first attracted him to the script, Steffan told the BBC: “I am from really near where it happened actually. I was a bit young to really remember it, but my school was about a mile from the woods where two of the murders happened.
“I just had a sense of adults talking about it, it was something I was sort of aware of.
“I certainly think these horrific crimes changed the whole atmosphere of an area. Temporarily it caused a lot of fear but in the long term as well, in terms of how much freedom young people had.
Meanwhile the actor is best known for playing Dave Coaches in Gavin & Stacey.
Gareth John Bale as DC Geraint Bale
Actor Gareth John Bale is best known for the BBC comedy-drama The Indian Doctor,
In Steeltown Murders his character is the third detective enlisted to help find out who killed the three women.
Speaking about the role, Gareth told the BBC: “Geraint Bale, a detective with operation magnum.
“He was brought on to be part of this operation and he follows it right through to the end when they actually get their man.”
Scott Arthur as DCI Paul Bethell in 1973
Actor Scott Arthur plays a younger version of Philips character, during the flashbacks to the 70s.
The star is known for Good Omens, Victoria and Holby City.
Speaking about playing the same character as Philip in Steeltown Murders, Scott told the BBC: “Phil is lovely, we met the night before the first day.
“Actually, I was very intimidated because I think Phil is a wonderful actor.
“It was quite nice actually because when we were filming, he said good luck to me on my first day, and then on his first day I said good luck to him and that I am passing the baton over to you.
“There’s something quite nice about two actors playing the same part, it doesn’t happen often.”
Keith Allen as Dai Williams.
Well known actor Keith Allen plays the step-father of one of the young women murdered in Neath Port Talbot in 1973, who was wrongly considered a prime suspect in the case,
Away from Steeltown Murders, he is known for Robin Hood, Marcella and The Pembrokeshire Murders.
Fans will also remember him in the 1994 cult classic movie, Shallow Grave.
He is the father of singer Lily Allen and Game of Thrones actor Alfie Allen.
Other actors who also star in Steeltown Murders are:
- Siôn Alun Davies as Phil ‘Bach’ Rees in 1973
- Priyanga Burford as Sita Anwar
- Sharon Morgan as Pat Williams
- Nia Roberts as Karina Bethell
How can I watch Steeltown Murders?
Steeltown Murders kicked off on May 15, 2023 and continues at 9pm on Monday nights.
However, the four-part drama is available to watch as box set on BBC iPlayer right now.
There is also an accompanying documentary about the 1973 murders available to watch on the BBC streaming site.