Under Salt Marsh: Kelly Reilly Dives into Dark Welsh Mystery in Gripping New Sky Drama
As the holiday season winds down, television enthusiasts have a new reason to mark their calendars: the arrival of Under Salt Marsh, a chilling six-part crime series set to premiere on Sky and streaming service NOW on January 30, 2026. Starring Yellowstone’s Kelly Reilly in a role that showcases her native British accent, this atmospheric thriller promises to blend suspense, emotional depth, and the raw beauty of coastal Wales into a must-watch event. With echoes of Broadchurch’s small-town secrets and moral complexities, Under Salt Marsh is poised to captivate audiences with its tale of buried truths and relentless storms.
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Kelly Reilly And Rafe Spall Lead The Sky Original Series Under …
At the heart of the story is Jackie Ellis, portrayed by Reilly, a former detective who has retreated to a quieter life as a teacher in the fictional Welsh seaside town of Morfa Halen. The series kicks off with a once-in-a-generation storm battering the coast, unearthing a shocking discovery that drags Jackie back into the shadows of a three-year-old cold case. This unresolved mystery— involving the tragic fates of two children, one who died and another who vanished just years apart—previously shattered her career and eroded her family’s trust. As the investigation reignites, Jackie must confront not only the ghosts of her past but also the tight-knit community’s wall of silence, where “people round here don’t lock their houses because they trust one another,” as teased in the trailer.
Complicating matters is Jackie’s forced reunion with her estranged partner, Detective Eric Bull, played by Rafe Spall. Known for his nuanced performances in Trying and Life of Pi, Spall brings a grounded intensity to Bull, a steadfast investigator navigating personal and professional tensions. Together, they race against time—and another impending storm—to uncover evidence before it’s lost to the sea. The narrative delves into themes of grief, resilience, and the fractures within close communities, painting a portrait of a town haunted by unspeakable crimes and hidden alliances.
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Under Salt Marsh’ Sky Trailer Drops With Kelly Reilly & Rafe Spall
Reilly’s performance is already generating buzz, offering a stark contrast to her fiery, unapologetic Beth Dutton on Yellowstone. Here, Jackie is a brooding, restrained figure, burdened by regret and driven by quiet determination. “Kelly Reilly is always fun to watch on Yellowstone, but this is a far more restrained character,” notes one early preview, highlighting her versatility in embodying vulnerability amid turmoil. Spall complements her with a portrayal that adds layers of emotional complexity to their fraught partnership.
The supporting cast elevates the drama further, featuring acclaimed actors like Jonathan Pryce (The Crown), Naomi Yang (Chimerica), Dinita Gohil (Treason), Brian Gleeson (Bad Sisters), Kimberley Nixon (Fresh Meat), Harry Lawtey (Industry), Mark Stanley (Happy Valley), Dino Fetscher (Fool Me Once), Lizzie Annis (The Witcher: Blood Origin), Rhodri Meilir (Craith), and Julian Lewis Jones (House of the Dragon). Their roles promise to flesh out the intricate web of Morfa Halen’s residents, each potentially guarding secrets that could unravel the investigation.
Created, written, and primarily directed by Claire Oakley—whose debut film Make Up showcased her talent for atmospheric storytelling—Under Salt Marsh is a production of Little Door Productions in association with Sky Studios. Additional writing credits go to Jonathan Harbottle for episodes 3 and 5, and Nikita Lalwani for episode 4, with Mary Nighy directing episodes 3 and 4. Producers Scott Bassett and Emma Duffy helm the project, backed by executive producers Elwen Rowlands, Megan Spanjian, Oakley, and Reilly herself. The series received support from the Welsh Government via Creative Wales, ensuring authentic Welsh locales and talent infuse the production with cultural depth.
The recently unveiled trailer sets a tense tone, with Reilly’s narration underscoring the community’s facade of trust amid stormy visuals and cryptic warnings. “You’ll be sorry if you point the finger towards anyone in the community,” one character intones, hinting at the dangers ahead. This visual feast of wind-swept marshes and shadowy confrontations builds anticipation for a series that could redefine coastal noir.
For fans of mysteries like Broadchurch or Happy Valley, Under Salt Marsh offers a fresh take on the genre, emphasizing human frailty against nature’s fury. As Reilly steps into this introspective role, the series stands as a testament to her range, potentially earning her new accolades. With its premiere just weeks away, this Welsh-set thriller is set to storm into living rooms, leaving viewers pondering the depths of hidden truths long after the credits roll.