More than 50 years ago, three teenage girls were murdered in South Wales by a man who came to be known as the ‘Saturday Night Strangler’. The case later inspired the BBC detective drama Steeltown Murders. It’s a must-watch for anyone who saw Unforgotten (think cold cases and decades of unanswered questions). The drama explores one of Wales’s most harrowing cases, while also showing how policing has evolved thanks to science. The five-star series is available to watch this weekend.
The drama, which first aired in 2023, takes us to Port Talbot in 1973, where the community is gripped by fear. After the brutal killings of three teenage girls, DCI Paul Bethell is determined to uncover the culprit, but despite a huge manhunt, the case remains unsolved. Nearly three decades later, a breakthrough in forensic science offers fresh hope of finally delivering answers for the victims’ families.
With the series available to watch this weekend, here’s everything you need to know about Steeltown Murders, including the cast, plot and how to watch it.
What is Steeltown Murders about?
The four-part series is based on the true story of the investigation to track down a serial killer in Port Talbot, South Wales. The drama begins in 1973, when a murderer, later known as the ‘Saturday Night Strangler’, attacked and killed three 16-year-old women who were all trying to make their way home at night. The first victim was Sandra Newton, followed later by friends Pauline Floyd and Geraldine Hughes. The whole area was gripped by fear and, despite a huge manhunt across the area, the culprit was never found.
Three decades later, the cold case is reopened and advances in forensic technology finally offer investigators a breakthrough. The series unfolds across two timelines: 1973, the time of the murders, and 2002, when the police reopen the case using new DNA techniques. DCI Paul Bethell (Philip Glenister) leads the cast, with Scott Arthur playing his younger self. He’s been haunted by the investigation for almost three decades and is determined to get justice for the victims’ loved ones. Joining him is his right-hand man Phil ‘Bach’ Rees (played by Steffan Rhodri in the 2002 scenes and Siôn Alun Davies for those set in 1973).
Philip Glenister previously opened up about meeting the real-life DC Paul Bethell in preparation for the role. ‘He told me something which I thought was really interesting, he said he didn’t like using the word “closure”, because in a case like this there is never closure, especially for the family,’ he told the Radio Times. ‘There is hopefully a sort of peace of mind that you eventually get the whole story.’
Who’s in the cast of Steeltown Murders?
The cast of Steeltown Murders includes:
- Philip Glenister (Life On Mars, State Of Play) as older DCI Paul Bethell
- Steffan Rhodri (In My Skin, Gavin & Stacey) as older Phil ‘Bach’ Rees
- Scott Arthur (Good Omens, Borg McEnroe) as younger DCI Paul Bethell
- Siôn Alun Davies (The Sandman, Hidden) as younger Phil ‘Bach’ Rees
- Keith Allen (The Pembrokeshire Murders, Marcella) as Dai Williams
- Priyanga Burford (Industry, No Time To Die) as Sita Anwar
- Sharon Morgan (Yr Amgueddfa, Gangs Of London) as Pat Williams
- Nia Roberts (Red Rose, Yr Amgueddfa) as Karina Bethell
- Elinor Crawley (Vikings, Ordinary Lies) as younger Karina Bethell
- Gareth John Bale (35 Awr, Y Pris) as DC Geraint Bale
- Kriss Dosanjh (The Larkins, Casualty) as younger Rohan Anwar
- Matthew Aubrey (Silent Witness, Mudtown) as Phil Blunt
- Amy Morgan (Mr Selfridge, Showtrial) as younger Jean Hughes
- Oliver Ryan (The Accident, The Pembrokeshire Murders) as DCS Ray Allen
- Dyfan Dwyfor (A Very English Scandal, Bang) as young DS Vic Jenkins
Is there a trailer for Steeltown Murders?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for Steeltown Murders below.
Is Steeltown Murders any good?
Yes – while it’s a harrowing watch, it’s essential viewing. The story unfolds across two timelines three decades apart, powerfully empathising the unfathomably long wait the victims’ families endured. Meanwhile, DCI Paul Bethell’s resilience offers a glimmer of hope as he refuses to give up his search. Most importantly, the series poses an important conversation about how misogynistic attitudes can influence investigations, which is sadly just as relevant today.
How can I watch Steeltown Murders?
You can watch Steeltown Murders now on BBC iPlayer.
What other detective dramas can I watch now?
For an atmospheric mystery, we’d recommend Passenger, which follows former city detective Riya Ajunwa (Wunmi Mosaku), who finds herself stuck policing in her ex-husband’s sleepy village. But when a local girl mysteriously vanishes, Riya soon realises Chadder Vale is hiding a dark web of secrets and the disappearance is just the tip of the iceberg. Passenger is available to watch now on ITVX. For another dark story inspired by true events, we’d suggest The Vanishing Triangle. Set in 1990s Dublin, the series follows investigative reporter Lisa Wallace (India Mullen) whose story about her mother’s unsolved murder receives mass attention. When a woman vanishes shortly afterwards, Lisa is convinced the cases are connected and joins forces with detective David Burkely (Allen Leech). The Vanishing Triangle is available to watch now on Acorn TV via Prime Video.
