Under Salt Marsh is a British crime drama created by Claire Oakley. The series premiered on Sky Atlantic on January 30, 2026. The story is set in a small Welsh coastal town named Morfa Halen.
The show follows a former detective who left police work after a personal tragedy. Years later she becomes involved in another case after a child from her school is found dead. The investigation forces her to face the past and rebuild a difficult partnership with someone she once trusted.
The drama focuses on grief, guilt, and community secrets. The coastal setting plays a strong role in shaping the mood of the story.
Under Salt Marsh Plot
The story begins as a powerful storm approaches the Welsh coast. Teacher Jackie Ellis discovers the body of her student Cefin Hill in the marshland near town. The death shocks the community and brings back memories of another tragedy.
Three years earlier Jackie’s niece Nessa disappeared without a trace. Jackie worked as a detective during that case. The failure destroyed her career and strained her family relationships.
Detective Eric Bull returns to investigate the boy’s death. He once worked with Jackie and helped lead the search for Nessa. The two share unresolved pain and blame each other for past mistakes.
As the investigation continues they begin to suspect the two cases may be connected. They must uncover hidden truths before the incoming storm destroys crucial evidence.
Under Salt Marsh Main Cast and Characters
Kelly Reilly plays Jackie Ellis, a former detective who now works as a schoolteacher. Jackie carries deep guilt about her niece’s disappearance. Finding Cefin’s body forces her to return to investigative work even though she wants to avoid the past.
Reilly portrays Jackie as emotionally guarded and quietly determined. Much of the story is told through her struggle to balance grief with responsibility.
Rafe Spall as Detective Eric Bull
Rafe Spall plays Eric Bull, the detective leading the new investigation. Bull once worked closely with Jackie. Their partnership ended badly after Nessa’s case failed.
Bull returns to Morfa Halen hoping to finally solve the mystery that damaged both their lives. His relationship with Jackie remains tense but still holds emotional connection.
Jonathan Pryce as Solomon Bevan
Jonathan Pryce plays Solomon Bevan, the head of a powerful farming family. The victim belongs to his extended family. Solomon represents the traditional authority within the town.
His influence adds social pressure to the investigation and reveals how closely power and community ties are connected.
Naomi Yang as Jess Deng
Naomi Yang plays Detective Constable Jess Deng. She works alongside Bull during the investigation. Jess often questions Jackie’s involvement and remains cautious about trusting her instincts.
Her character represents a more objective law enforcement view within the story.
Harry Lawtey as Dylan Rees
Harry Lawtey plays Dylan Rees, a construction worker connected to the victim’s family. Dylan shares a personal relationship with Jackie which complicates his role in the story.
His presence reveals how deeply personal connections affect the investigation.
Supporting Cast
Dinita Gohil plays Nisha Jones, Jackie’s sister in law who helps her rebuild life after leaving the police.
Brian Gleeson plays Mac Jones, Nisha’s husband and a major figure in local development projects.
Kimberley Nixon plays Shell Hill, the victim’s mother struggling with grief and community pressure.
Mark Stanley plays Danny Hill, the victim’s father who runs a local butcher shop.
Dino Fetscher plays Gareth Evans, an environmental officer whose arrival in town connects to wider community issues.
Rhodri Meilir plays Ned Bevan, a member of Solomon’s family who works on the farm.
Julian Lewis Jones plays Osian Northam, a local environmental activist whose behavior draws suspicion.
Several additional characters appear throughout the series. Their relationships highlight how secrets spread through small communities.
Episode Count
Under Salt Marsh is a six episode miniseries. Each episode runs for around fifty to fifty five minutes. The shorter format keeps the narrative focused and character driven.
Under Salt Marsh Episode Release Schedule
| Episode | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | January 30, 2026 |
| Episode 2 | January 30, 2026 |
| Episode 3 | February 6, 2026 |
| Episode 4 | February 13, 2026 |
| Episode 5 | February 20, 2026 |
| Episode 6 (Finale) | February 27, 2026 |
Where to Watch Under Salt Marsh
The series airs on Sky Atlantic. It is available through Sky streaming platforms. International release depends on regional distribution agreements.
Production Details
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Creator: Claire Oakley
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Directors: Claire Oakley, Mary Nighy
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Production Companies: Little Door Productions, Sky Studios
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Filming Locations: Wales (including Barmouth, Fairbourne, Anglesey and South Wales)
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Filming Start: October 2024
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Genre: Crime Thriller / Mystery Drama
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Country: United Kingdom
FAQ
What is Under Salt Marsh about
Under Salt Marsh follows a former detective who investigates the death of a child in a Welsh coastal town while uncovering links to her niece’s disappearance.
How many episodes are in Under Salt Marsh
The series contains six episodes with each episode running about fifty to fifty five minutes.
Where can you watch Under Salt Marsh
The series airs on Sky Atlantic and streams through Sky digital platforms.
Courtesy: RadioTimes
