Timothy Spall is the star of the BBC’s new comedy crime drama Death Valley, but away from the screen, the actor has been through some tough times.

The BBC has unveiled a fresh comedy drama that’s primed to tickle the nation with bouts of hilarity.

The show, titled Death Valley, morphs the landscapes of Wales into a backdrop for a murder mystery sprinkled with humour and an offbeat crime-solving duo.

Esteemed actor John Chapel, interpreted by none other than Timothy Spall, finds himself thrown into an investigative pairing with Detective Sergeant Janie Mallowan, brought to life by Gwyneth Keyworth.

Timothy Spall shared his enthusiasm for the part, commenting on the unique allure of the comedy-drama.

He said: “There’s an originality and an emotional grounding to the characters. They are both bad at recognising their own faults but excellent at pointing out each other’s and those clashes are investigated in an entertaining way.

“Their unusual bond becomes strong and mutually dependent, even though it has significant and challenging ups and downs. It was also nice to be asked by the creative team to bring my own thoughts and ideas to John’s character and how it should be developed.”

As Death Valley graces our screens this month, we delve into the life of Timothy Spall beyond his role in the new BBC offering.

Tragic cancer diagnosis

Timothy was fearful when he was given his cancer diagnosis (Image: GETTY)

Addressing his heart-rending health struggle, it was back in 1996 that Timothy Spall was confronted with the sombre news of a leukaemia diagnosis at just 39 years old, reports Wales Online.

In retelling the experience to Saga Magazine, he disclosed: “We had three kids, and out of the blue, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease called acute myeloid leukaemia.

“When I was told I had it, I got down on my knees and asked God to spare me for my family.

“There was a time when they thought I might not make it. The only really unbearable thing was what my family would do if I went? I wouldn’t be there to look after them, and that was my job as a husband and father.”

The actor admitted the most harrowing prospect for him was contemplating the impact his death would have on his family.

Timothy then braved two rounds of chemotherapy and within three months, received the news that he was in remission and cancer-free.

Ever since, Timothy has revealed that he’s been keeping a close eye on his stress levels, telling The Independent in 2006: “I didn’t know what made me ill but stress had something to do with it and the point is now to head off stress at the pass. It made me aware of things and become more selective. I am less worried about employment.”

Famous acting son

Timothy’s son has followed in his acting footsteps (Image: BBC)

Timothy Spall has enjoyed a long marriage with his wife Shane since 1981, and together they have raised three children.

Shane, an accomplished writer, has penned two memoirs; one detailing her husband’s battle with leukaemia and another chronicling their nautical adventures around Britain.

The pair also teamed up for the television series, as seen on BBC Four’s Timothy Spall: Back at Sea in 2011, where they navigated the British Isles.

It seems the acting gene runs strong, as one of Timothy’s children has also taken to the stage, continuing the family’s artistic legacy.

Rafe has graced the silver screen in a host of renowned films over the years, including The Big Short, Life of Pi, Hot Fuzz and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Being ‘skint’

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet actors Jimmy Nail, Timothy Spall, Christopher Fairbank, Noel Clarke, Tim Healy, Kevin Whately and Pat Roach (Image: GETTY)Timothy boasts an impressive acting portfolio, having appeared in notable films such as Harry Potter, Sweeney Todd, The King’s Speech and Mr Turner.

However, despite his fame, work was not always consistent. In a candid chat with Big Issue, he admitted: “Being famous and unemployed wasn’t very nice. I remember sitting in the pub and somebody tapped me on the shoulder saying, ‘Don’t look so miserable, not with all your money!’

“I was skint. Auf Wiedersehen, Pet had happened, which became so big. It was uncomfortable at times. I had a young family and was out of work for a long period.

“So I would tell my younger self, stick to your guns, take every role on its own value.”