Clumsy detective duo Terry and Gemma Bremmer are back for another tricky, twisty Murder, They Hope special. And things have never been better for Gemma (Sian Gibson, Peter Kay’s Car Share). She’s landed her dream job as a specially trained investigator working for the Serious Crimes Agency, a body that hires only the best in the crime-busting biz.  

However, it’s not all rosy in the Bremmer household. Gemma’s husband Terry (Johnny Vegas, Still Open All Hours) didn’t make the cut for the SCA thanks to his colourful criminal history, which puts a new strain on their marriage. Ouch.

So, how will our detective duo get themselves out of this rut? By taking on a complex double murder case connected to a suburban rugby club. After all, for these super sleuthers, a double murder means double the fun. And the more they delve into the rugby club’s history, the more it appears that some of its members are harbouring dark secrets of their own. The plot very much thickens, potentially leading to an explosive, cataclysmic climax…

Joining the pair are an all-star cast of suspects and more, including Miranda star Sarah Hadland, who’s also currently twirling around the Strictly dancefloor, and Sanjeev Bhaskar, star of the huge hit detective drama Unforgotten. Rounding out the cast are Jim Howick (Ghosts), Matthew Kelly (Going The Distance), Charlie Hardwick (Ackley Bridge), Annette Badland (Big Boys), Gemma Jones (Gentleman Jack), Jason Lewis (Murder In Successville) and Ben Bailey Smith (The Sixth Commandment). Talk about some total telly legends!

Although their latest whodunnit comedy caper proves to test Gemma and Terry’s partnership and marriage further than ever before, one thing is for sure. No case is too difficult for this pair to crack. We, ahem, hope. Don’t miss Apocalypse Slough: A Murder, They Hope Mystery on Thursday 26 September at 9pm on GOLD HD (CH 124).

You can also catch up with all the adventures of Gemma and Terry Bremmer – two series of Murder, They Hope plus the specials Murder On The Blackpool Express, Death On The Tyne, Dial M For Middlesbrough and Blood Actually – on Apps > U (depending on your TV package and box).

Ahead of this latest special, here’s what you need to know about the main cast of Apocalypse Slough…

The ambitious Gemma is loving her new responsibilities at the Serious Crime Agency – and rubbing her success in husband Terry’s face. Even though she’d have to admit they work better as a pair. Not much better, but a bit.

She says… “Gemma is friendly, ambitious, kind and always optimistic (maybe a bit too much) but she also has a fiery temper that would make Joan Collins blush. Things go much darker than they’ve gone before in this special – there’s underground caves, doomsday clocks and Matthew Kelly doing jiu jitsu in a gas mask. What more do you want?”

Where else can I see her?

• The Power Of Parker (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• Mammoth (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• Taskmaster series 8 (Apps > Channel 4 + Apps > U)
• The Reluctant Landlord (On Demand > Sky Comedy)
• The League Of Gentlemen (Apps > BBC iPlayer)

Terry went into private investigation to please the more naturally inquisitive Gemma – given the chance, he’d rather go for the quiet life. He may roll his eyes at his wife, but in the background he’s always cogitating on the latest crime.

He says… “Every time Terry thinks he knows where the land lies, Gemma gets more exuberant and pushes him that little bit further, but he absolutely loves the bones of her. There’s a lovely moment at the end of the show where you’ll see that although he looks like he’s not bothered sometimes, he’s actually a very supportive guy who does adore the ground she walks on.”

Where else can I see him?

• Meet The Richardsons (Apps > U)
• Still Open All Hours (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• Taskmaster series 10 (Apps > Channel 4)
• Romantic Getaway (On Demand > Sky Comedy)
• Johnny Vegas: Carry On Glamping (Apps > Channel 4)

We’ve met Gemma’s sister Monica in previous episodes of Murder, They Hope, and she’s back to stick her oar into the Bremmers’ investigation again. She’s glamorous, she’s outspoken and now – just when you thought she couldn’t get more irritating – she wants to be an influencer.

She says… “Monica is a meddling nosy parker who just loves to get involved and take over. She causes Gemma and Terry a lot of grief but does keep them fired up and on the case. I love the costumes – the pink glittery stacked heels are my favourite!”

Where else can I see her?

• Miranda (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• Strictly Come Dancing series 22 (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• The Job Lot (Apps > Netflix)
• Horrible Histories (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• Ratburger (On Demand > Sky Max)

Guest star Bhaskar is Gwyn, who’s described as “officious, pompous and entitled” – another comic buffoon to add to the long Murder, They Hope roll-call, and played by a bona fide comedy legend. Vegas says it was “great to watch Sanjeev work”.

He says… “In another life, he’d be standing for parliament and betting on the outcome. [Joining the cast was] a joy – the regulars and the creative team were utterly charming and welcoming. I loved coming to work.”

Where else can I see him?

• Unforgotten (Apps > ITVX)
• Sandylands (Apps > U)
• Porters (Apps > U)
• Goodness Gracious Me (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• The Indian Doctor (Apps > Prime Video)

When is Apocalypse Slough: A Murder, They Hope Mystery on TV?

Apocalypse Slough: A Murder, They Hope Mystery airs on Thursday 26 September at 9pm on GOLD HD (CH 124). Find it in catch up after the special has aired (depending on your TV package and box).