Mayo is a British television detective fiction-comedy series, adapted from the Gil Mayo Mysteries series books by Marjorie Eccles, first broadcast on BBC One on 12 March 2006.[1] The eight-part series, produced by BBC Birmingham, starred Alistair McGowan as the titular character, alongside Jessica Oyelowo, Huw Rhys and Louise Brealey. The series was developed by Simon Booker, and directed by Metin Huseyin, Jonathan Fox Bassett and Fraser MacDonald.
The series was filmed on location in and around Leamington Spa. Each of the eight episodes were based upon one of Eccles' novels, aside from the final episode, which was an original story for television by Joe Ainsworth.[2] McGowan provided additional script dialogue for all eight episodes, and was also heavily involved in helping produce the series. Notable guest stars throughout the series run included former Doctor Who Sylvester McCoy and actress and singer Paloma Faith.
The series aired at 20:00 on Sundays, with the first episode drawing almost 4.5 million viewers. Across the series, no further viewing figures were recorded. The series broadcast in Australia on ABC1 in mid-2008, and was repeated on 7Two in 2011, under the pseudonym The Gil Mayo Mysteries.[3]
On 23 March 2007 McGowan confirmed that Mayo would not return for a second series. McGowan commented on the series axing; "It was taking its time to find its feet, and by the end, we knew what we were doing. But sadly, decisions are made on the first episode, and we definitely didn't hit the ground running. We learnt how to make a very good programme and we were all really surprised and very disappointed that we didn't get another series. It is sad."[4]
A man is found dead at an exclusive rehabilitation clinic, having named the centre's founder as his beneficiary. Mayo and the team investigate whether the death was suicide or murder.
Mayo and the team investigate the death of Marion Dove, a successful businesswoman found dead beneath a fallen chandelier.
The body of a man is found in an allotment, having been struck on the head and drowned in the night, but no one comes forward to identify him.
Mayo investigates the brutal murder of a residential care-home owner found bludgeoned to death in his wheelchair.
Jones goes for a beauty makeover in an attempt to elicit information about the murdered husband of the owner of a local beauty salon.
Mayo and the team investigate the death of a geography teacher and uncover gambling debts and drug dealing.
The body of a murdered estate agent is found on the eve of his wedding, while the owner of a rival firm has disappeared.
Mayo and Jones investigate the murder of a cleaner, asphyxiated with her own duster.