ITV has confirmed the future of The Bay ahead of the season three finale.
The final episode in the Morecombe-based drama’s third series aired tonight, but fans can immediately be reassured that they haven’t seen the last of North-West coastal town as ITV has confirmed it will be back for a fourth run.
The third series saw Marsha Thomason join as Morecambe CID’s new Family Liaison Officer, DS Jenn Townsend, taking over from Morven Christie who played Lisa Armstrong in series one and two.
Marsha starred alongside regular cast Daniel Ryan, Erin Shanagher, Thomas Law and Andrew Dowbiggin.
ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill praised writer Daragh Carville as she celebrated the commissioning of a fourth series.
She said: “I’m delighted that we will be returning to Morecambe for another series of The Bay.
“Marsha Thomason delivered a brilliant performance as DS Jenn Townsend, and it will be exciting to see where Daragh takes her character in series four.
“Thanks to everyone at Tall Story Pictures for creating and continuing to deliver such a distinctive series.”
Catherine Oldfield, Executive Producer, Tall Story Pictures added: “We are delighted at how The Bay audiences have taken to new FLO, DS Jenn Townsend, played by the brilliant Marsha Thomason and how Jenn’s arrival and her personal storyline has breathed new energy into the show.
“Together with Daragh and all our amazing cast and crew, we can’t wait to get going on the new series.“
While it looks like Marsha is to reprise her role in season four, further casting news is to be announced, while filming will begin later this year.
The Bay’s latest series has been praised for its diversity both on and off screen, thanks to its accurate and moving portrayal of the funeral of a young Muslim man and how young deaf newcomer, Nadeem Islam – who was initially discovered via an article written about him by Colin Hambrook, Editor on Disability Arts Online – was subsequently cast as Jamal in the show.
The Bay series 1-3 are available on ITV Hub.
