Entertainment
The Bay series 3: First look at Marsha Thomason as new lead DS Jenn Townsend after Morven Christie’s exit
The Bay has released a first look at Marsha Thomason as new lead DS Jenn Townsend as series three commences filming following Morven Christie’s exit from the ITV crime drama.
In February this year, it was revealed that The Bay had been renewed for a third series while the second season was still on air.
While fans of the police procedural were excited by its confirmed return, the news of its continuation came with the announcement that Morven, who has portrayed family liaison officer Lisa Armstrong since series one, would not be returning.
Lost star Marsha will be taking her place as the new protagonist, with creator Daragh Carville explaining to Metro.co.uk that her character will be ‘very different’ to Lisa.
In a first look at the actor in character, Jenn is shown wearing a light brown coat, her police officer’s lanyard hanging from her neck.
The picture doesn’t give much away, but following on from the first two series, viewers can expect plenty of drama coming their way.
ITV has revealed that in series three, Jenn will set about investigating the death of an aspiring young boxer, whose body is mysteriously found in Morecambe Bay.
As the new family liaison officer on the scene, she must try to help the boxer’s grieving family while also trying to find out more about them in order to solve the case.
On top of that, she will have her own personal issues to contend with, as her blended family tries to acclimatise to their new town.
Catherine Oldfield, creative director of Tall Story Pictures and executive producer, explained that she and Daragh were keen to delve into another ‘brilliant’ story for series three.
‘Daragh and I always felt that there were so many brilliant stories to be told in the world of The Bay so, after Morven decided to leave the show, we got straight to work finding a new lead actor,’ she said.
‘From the moment Marsha read for the part we knew it was “game over” and we’d found our new lead, DS Townsend. We are so excited to see Marsha bring these stories to life.’
Furquan Akhtar is co-writing the third series alongside creator Daragh.
Series two of The Bay is available to watch on ITV Player.
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