6.4/10
Under Salt Marsh is a six-part British crime thriller created by Claire Oakley, premiering on Sky Atlantic on January 30, 2026.
Starring Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall, the series unfolds in the fictional North Wales village of Morfa Halen — a place where secrets lie buried beneath marshland and memory.
Moody, character-driven, and set against the threat of an incoming storm, Under Salt Marsh leans into psychological tension as much as procedural mystery.
Under Salt Marsh (2026) – Official Series Trailer
What Is Under Salt Marsh About?
The story begins with a looming storm gathering strength at sea. In the quiet coastal village of Morfa Halen, teacher and former detective Jackie Ellis discovers the body of her eight-year-old student, Cefin Hill, in the marsh.
The apparent drowning reopens old wounds. Three years earlier, Jackie’s niece Nessa vanished without resolution — a tragedy that destroyed her career and fractured the community.
When Detective Eric Bull, Jackie’s former partner, returns to lead the investigation, suspicion immediately falls on the possibility that the two cases are connected. As the storm approaches, Jackie and Bull must confront both buried evidence and buried guilt.
The setting is not just background. The salt marsh, shifting tides, and encroaching storm create a constant sense of urgency — nature itself threatening to erase the truth.
Main Cast & Characters
Jackie Ellis – Kelly Reilly
A former detective turned teacher, Jackie is intelligent, emotionally scarred, and quietly relentless. The disappearance of her niece shattered her career, and Cefin’s death forces her back into an investigation she never truly left behind.
Detective Eric Bull – Rafe Spall
Bull once failed this town. Now he returns determined to finish what was left unresolved. His uneasy partnership with Jackie adds tension and layered history to the investigation.
Supporting Cast Highlights
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Jonathan Pryce as Solomon Bevan
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Naomi Yang as Detective Jess Deng
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Harry Lawtey as Dylan Rees
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Brian Gleeson as Mac Jones
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Dinita Gohil as Nisha Jones
The ensemble adds depth to a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know more than they are willing to say.
Episode Structure
The series consists of six episodes, released beginning January 30, 2026.
The first two episodes, written and directed by Claire Oakley, establish the mystery and emotional stakes. Later episodes, directed by Mary Nighy, expand the psychological layers and political tensions within the village.
The pacing is deliberate. Rather than relying on sudden twists every episode, the show builds dread through atmosphere, suspicion, and character conflict.
Production & Filming
Filming began in October 2024 and took place entirely in Wales, including locations such as Barmouth, Fairbourne, Anglesey, and South Wales.
The coastal landscapes are more than scenic backdrops — they shape the tone. Wide, windswept marshlands contrast with claustrophobic interiors, reinforcing the theme that secrets are both hidden and exposed.
The project received support from Creative Wales and was produced by Little Door Productions and Sky Studios.
Reception & Controversy
Before its release, Under Salt Marsh drew criticism from Nation.Cymru regarding casting decisions. The majority of main roles are portrayed by English actors despite the Welsh setting and filming locations.
This sparked discussion about regional representation in British television, particularly in stories rooted strongly in Welsh culture and geography.
Beyond casting discourse, early responses have highlighted the show’s atmosphere and strong lead performances as its defining strengths.
Is Under Salt Marsh Worth Watching?
If you enjoy:
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Slow-burn crime thrillers
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Character-driven investigations
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Atmospheric coastal settings
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Emotional drama mixed with procedural mystery
Then Under Salt Marsh is worth your time.
It does not rely on constant action or spectacle. Instead, it builds tension through memory, regret, and suspicion. The storm serves as both literal and symbolic pressure — time running out before truth is washed away.
FAQ
When did Under Salt Marsh premiere?
It premiered on January 30, 2026, on Sky Atlantic.
How many episodes are there?
The miniseries consists of six episodes.
Where was Under Salt Marsh filmed?
The series was filmed entirely in Wales, including Barmouth, Fairbourne, Anglesey, and South Wales.
Who created Under Salt Marsh?
The series was created and partly directed by Claire Oakley.
Is Under Salt Marsh based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional crime thriller set in a fictional Welsh village.
Conclusion
Under Salt Marsh is not just a crime story about a child’s death. It is about unresolved grief, fractured trust, and a community haunted by what it failed to solve.
With strong performances from Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall, and a haunting coastal atmosphere, the series positions itself as one of the more grounded and emotionally heavy British thrillers of 2026.
As the storm rolls in, so does the truth. The only question is who will survive it.
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