MCDONALD & DODDS will be returning to ITV1 for its fourth season.
The detectives are back on the case for three new stories. Here’s everything we know so far.
![Undated ITV Handout Photo from McDonald & Dodds. Pictured: TALA GOUVEIA as DCI Lauren McDonald and JASON WATKINS as DS Dodds. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA???Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: ITV. NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TVQuickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TVQuickfire Watkins Gouveia. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: ITV NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SHOWBIZ-TV-Quickfire-Watkins-Gouveia-10063577jpg-JS917283276.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The detectives begin to investigate when a middle-aged woman is found shot dead in a rented flat in their first case.
All three feature-length films feature a new murder mystery with the smart and ambitious DCI McDonald and the quietly brilliant DS Dodds.
Together they will work together to crack the tricky cases.
According to the synopsis of the first case, the killer “removed all clues to her identity, but DNA reveals she went missing over 35 years ago. Where has she been all those years? And who with?”
It was produced by the prominent independent company Mammoth Screen.
Fans haven’t seen DCI McDonald and DS Dodds since series 3 ended in 2022 – and it’s felt like a long wait for more episodes.
The series has been commissioned for ITV by Polly Hill and Huw Kennair Jones and will be produced by Joe Shrubb.
Executive producers are Robert Murphy, Damien Timmer and Charlotte Webber.
The first film is written by Robert Murphy and directed by Khurrum M. Sultan.
Jones said: “We’re thrilled to be returning to the beautiful city of Bath for more original and inventive crimes for McDonald and Dodds to solve.
“And it’s great to be working with Mammoth Screen, Robert Murphy and Tala and Jason once again on what promises to be another brilliant series.”
![Undated ITV Handout Photo from McDonald & Dodds. Pictured: TALA GOUVEIA as DCI Lauren McDonald. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA???Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: ITV. NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TVQuickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TVQuickfire Watkins Gouveia. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: ITV NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SHOWBIZ-TV-Quickfire-Watkins-Gouveia-10063815jpg-JS917283263.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Nottingham-born actress has played DCI Lauren McDonald in the ITV drama since 2020.
At first, McDonald had reservations about the affluent town of Bath and was sceptical about partnering with the reserved Detective Dodds.
However, they soon developed a strong rapport.
In the first episode of season 4, Chief Inspector McDonald and Detective Sergeant Dodds delve into the mysterious death of a bus passenger named Ian Andrews.
Gouveia’s television career began with a minor role as Nurse Green in EastEnders from 2011 to 2013.
She has appeared in various other series, including as Gemma Murphy in Cold Feet on ITV1, the children’s series Go Jetters on CBeebies, and the 2018 BBC1 Christmas special Click & Collect.
![Undated ITV Handout Photo from McDonald & Dodds. Pictured: JASON WATKINS as DS Dodds. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA???Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: ITV. NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TVQuickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TVQuickfire Watkins Gouveia. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: ITV NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SHOWBIZ-TV-Quickfire-Watkins-Gouveia-10063887jpg-JS917283283.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Jason Watkins returns as Detective Sergeant Dodds in season 4 of McDonald & Dodds.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail and extensive knowledge, Dodds assists Chief Inspector McDonald in solving complex cases.
Episode 1 reveals more about his personal life when his childhood best friend, Alan “Jinxy” Jones, is tragically murdered.
Watkins has played the lead role in the two-part drama The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, for which he won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor.
He has also starred in Being Human, Trollied, W1A, Nativity, as well as British Prime Minister Harold Wilson in season 3 of The Crown.
![Undated ITV Handout Photo from McDonald & Dodds. Pictured: CLAIRE SKINNER as Chief Supt Ormond. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA???Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: ITV. NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TVQuickfire Watkins Gouveia. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TVQuickfire Watkins Gouveia. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: ITV NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SHOWBIZ-TV-Quickfire-Watkins-Gouveia-06595643jpg-JS917212451.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Outnumbered star Claire Skinner will also be returning as Chief Superintendent Ormond.
She is also a part-time member of the Bath Alley choir.
The star is also known for her collaboration with director Mike Leigh on two of his films, Life is Sweet and Naked.
Charlie Jones joins the team as Detective Constable Goldie.
Known for his role as Ben Mitchell in EastEnders, Jones also starred in Noughts + Crosses and Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.
Season 4 welcomes Bhavik C. Pankhania as Detective Constable Lee.
Pankhania brings his technical expertise to assist the main detectives in unravelling complex cases.
His previous roles include The Feed, World on Fire, and My Happy Ending.
Joining the cast is Pixie Lott, portraying Lola Baker, the daughter of Suzi Green.
She finds herself accused of her mother’s murder at her own engagement party in the second episode.
Lott, a celebrated singer and actress, has served as a judge on The Voice UK for seven seasons and has appeared in films such as Beastly, The Inbetweeners, and Fred: The Movie.
Toby Stephens appears in the second episode as business magnate Mark Holgate, who uses his investment firm as a façade for illegal activities.
The episode deepens when Holgate’s twin sister Ann’s body is discovered in an apartment, having vanished 38 years earlier.
Stephens is well-known for his roles in One Day, Die Another Day, and The Machine.
Episode 3 features Victoria Hamilton as Dora Lang, a photographer with a romantic link to Detective Sergeant Dodds.
Initially suspected in the episode’s case, Lang is eventually exonerated.
Hamilton’s notable performances include Mansfield Park, Doctor Foster, and Scoop.
Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran plays Nicolas Olayinka, an avid musician who asks Professor Clarence Adderly about AI recordings from Robert Johnson’s original music.
Owokoniran has also been featured in the short film Gym.
Hugh Quarshie guest stars in season 4, episode 1 as Professor Clarence Adderly.
Professor Adderly is on the same bus when a passenger, Ian Andrews, died one morning.
Coincidentally, Andrews also attended Adderly’s talk prior to his death.
The professor lies about the fact that he was also riding the same bus as Andrews when McDonald and Dodds interrogated him.
Quarshie starred in Highlander, Red Sparrow, and Nightbreed.
Lydia Leonard plays Lucy, the wife of Mark Holgate in episode 2.
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that she is behind the murders of both Ann Holgate and Suzi Green, and she schemes to implicate her husband in these crimes.
Leonard’s previous roles include Last Christmas, The Fifth Estate, and Whitechapel.
The beloved series has been filmed at the Studios and on various sites in Bath and Bristol since its first season in 2019.
The title sequence for the show features a question mark, which transforms into the title’s ampersand.
It references the iconic overhead view of the Royal Crescent and The Circus, two listed structures in Bath that are frequently shown on-screen.
McDonald & Dodds will return to ITV1 and ITVX from July 21.
Each episode is two hours long, and will air in the coveted Sunday night 8pm to 10pm slot.
