Television icon Stephanie Beacham is set to feature in a star-studded new series of a Kent-based crime drama.

Whitstable Pearl, which is set in the seaside town and based on novels by local author Julie Wassmer, will be returning to screens tonight.

And following the success of the first series - which first aired last year - the show will return to streaming service Acorn tonight with a host of familiar faces.

Whitstable Pearl stars After Life's Kerry Godliman as Pearl, who is a restaurateur who puts some former police training to use by running a local detective agency.

Beacham will appear in the newest series as Zelda St John - a 70s film icon who is found unconscious in her home with her housekeeper the prime suspect.

"You aren't meant to take her too seriously," she said.

"I had such fun behaving badly. I was delighted to be guest starring.

"Kerry's a natural as Pearl, completely down to earth."

Beacham will feature in the latest instalment after recently returning to Coronation Street as Martha Fraser following a 13-year hiatus.

Her role as Sable Colby in the ABC series Dynasty and its spin-off The Colbys made her a household name in the 80s.

The second instalment of Whitstable Pearl was filmed in locations across the county from Stonepitts pick-your-own farm in Sevenoaks to Margate's Dreamland.

Whitstable’s Yacht Club, Tankerton Beach, the Port of Dover and Rochester High Street also feature in the six-episode series.

Joining Frances Barber, who plays Pearl's mum, and Howard Charles, DCI Mike McGuire, are a host of guest stars.

Peep Show's Robert Webb, Inbetweeners star Emily Head and Kingsman actor Geoff Bell - who lived in Whitstable before moving to Deal - are among the famous faces in the new series.

Julie Wassmer, who is also an executive producer on the show, said: "I'm thrilled Whitstable Pearl is returning for this new season.

"I always wanted to pay tribute to Whitstable by casting it as a central character in my crime books.

"But now our town has joined all these wonderful stars in a TV series that will actually be streaming worldwide this year.

"Pearl will be immersed in crime, family drama and a compelling will-they-won’t-they love affair all set against the backdrop of our mysterious coast."

Kerry Godliman says she is delighted to return for a second series.

"She’s such a rich character to dive into and I adore her passion for Whitstable, justice and oysters - and maybe a certain DCI too," she said.

Series two of Whitstable Pearl begins streaming on Acorn TV today.