From Lagos to Belfast, she steps into the Puzzle Lady world, and we can’t wait to see her sleuth
Ashionye Michelle Raccah just added a new chapter to her acting journey. She’s been cast as Barbara “Babs” Dufresne, a supporting character in the British TV mystery series Murder Most Puzzling, based on The Puzzle Lady novels by Parnell Hall. The show filmed six episodes over three months around the picturesque streets of Belfast.
If you love crime shows with charm and secrets, Murder Most Puzzling fits the bill. The series blends cozy mystery vibes with British drama sensibilities. At its heart is Cora Felton, aka The Puzzle Lady (played by Downton Abbey alum Phyllis Logan), who is known for her crossword puzzles and eccentric brilliance. When a teenage girl is found dead with a cryptic clue, Cora is summoned to help the police untangle a web of intrigue in her quaint town
Throughout the series, many guest characters rotate in and out, bringing fresh tension and secrets with them. Ashionye’s Babs Dufresne is included in that guest ensemble. Her name appears in the full cast listings for Murder Most Puzzling.
Filmed in late 2024 and debuting in mid-2025, the show has already aired across six episodes on Channel 5. Streaming options are open as well.
For Ashionye, this role is bold. She moves from Nollywood and Nigerian television to a British mystery set in fog, old stone streets, and cold crime scenes. It’s a shift not just in geography, but in tone, from melodrama and local stories to whispered clues, red herrings, and sharp dialogue.
This casting tells us she’s pushing boundaries. She’s not just crossing continents, she’s navigating new storytelling languages. If Murder Most Puzzling is your kind of thriller, keep your eyes peeled for Babs Dufresne. Her presence might mean more than it seems.
Catch Murder Most Puzzling now on Channel 5 and streaming platforms. Let the clues begin.
