The Bay | Series 2 Press Pack

THE BAY | SERIES 2 PRESS PACK

CONTENTS

Cast and Crew ...... Page 03 Episode Synopses ...... Page 05 Character Descriptions ...... Page 07

Production Interviews

Catherine Oldfield ...... Page 13 Daragh Carville ...... Page 15 Alex Lamb ...... Page 17

Cast Interviews

Morven Christie ...... Page 18 Daniel Ryan ...... Page 20 Taheen Modak ...... Page 22 Lindsey Coulson ...... Page 23 Joe Absolom ...... Page 24

Tall Story Pictures ...... Page 25

CAST

Morven Christie ...... DC Lisa Armstrong

Daniel Ryan ...... DI Anthony ‘Tony’ Manning

Taheen Modak ...... DS Ahmed ‘Med’ Kharim

Lindsey Coulson ...... Penny Armstrong

Imogen King ...... Abbie Armstrong

Art Parkinson ...... Rob Armstrong

Joe Absolom ...... Andy Warren

James Cosmo...... Bill Bradwell

Stephen Tompkinson ...... Stephen Marshbrook

Sharon Small ...... Rose Marshbrook

Leo Ashton ...... Oliver Marshbrook

Steven Robertson ...... Mark Bradwell

Sunetra Sarker ...... Stella Bradwell

Jack Archer ...... Jamie Marshbrook

Arian Nik ...... Theo Anvari

Amy James-Kelly ...... Grace Marshbrook

Richard Huw ...... Tom Hayes

Erin Shanagher ...... DS Karen Hobson

Andrew Dowbiggin ...... DS James ‘Clarkie’ Clarke

Simon Manyonda ...... DS Alexander Stewart

Thomas Law ...... DC Eddie Martin

Wendy Kweh ...... Lyn Chee

Owen McDonnell ...... Frank Mercer

Adam Hussain ...... Josh Nurbhai

Ciara Adams ...... Claire Regan

Kelcie Atkinson...... Cass Hammond

Julia Haworth ...... Becky Thrower

Kerrie Taylor ...... Ellen Manning

CREW

Catherine Oldfield ...... Executive Producer

Daragh Carville ...... Writer & Executive Producer

Sally Tatchell…………………………………………………………………....Writer – Ep. 5

Daragh Carville & Richard Clark……………………………………………………..Creators

Alexander Lamb ...... Producer

Amanda Wasey ...... Line Producer

Robert Quinn ...... Director – Episodes 1, 2 and 3

Julia Ford ...... Director – Episodes 4, 5 and 6

Ryan Kernaghan…………………………………………………………………………..DOP

John Collins ...... Production Designer

Alex Irwin ...... Casting Director

Claire Wilson ...... Costume Designer

Fiona Lavin ...... Hair and Make-up Designer

Mike Phillips ...... Editor – Episodes 1, 2 & 3

Melanie Viner-Cuneo ...... Editor – Episodes 4, 5 & 6

Samuel Sim ...... Composer

EPISODE SYNOPSES

Episode 1 After dealing with the repercussions of her actions from last year, DC Lisa Armstrong is given the opportunity to prove herself when asked to assist a murder investigation in Morecambe. Tensions remain high as Lisa struggles to do her job whilst following the orders of her previously lower ranking colleague, Med. As the team try to uncover why the victim was targeted, Lisa and her kids are unknowingly stalked by a mysterious figure who has returned with an agenda.

Episode 2 Determined to ignore Andy’s unexpected arrival the night before, Lisa throws herself into the case and discovers a significant lead from her only eyewitness. The new information opens up the investigation and the team uncover vital evidence, forcing them to deal with a difficult suspect. Meanwhile, Lisa questions Andy’s motives as he remains determined to rebuild a relationship with his family, whilst Penny discovers Lisa and the kids are keeping her in the dark.

Episode 3 As the team press on with the investigation, Lisa and Med dig deeper into the family and discover not all relationships with the victim were amicable. With one suspect beginning to talk, a crucial piece of evidence comes through, leaving Lisa with more questions than answers. Lisa is forced to give time to her home life as Andy continues to grow closer to Abbie and Rob while Penny decides to take matters into her own hands.

Episode 4 Following an unexpected turn in the case, Lisa and the team struggle to keep their heads in the game as they’re forced to accept help from a new unit. As one suspect throws new light on the investigation, Lisa doubts whether she’s been given the full truth on events from the past. With the investigative pressure building, Manning attempts to fight for his marriage whilst Lisa finds solace in a place she least expected.

Episode 5 A rash decision unsettles Lisa, so throwing herself into her work, she pursues a new line of investigation, uncovering a secret with far-reaching consequences. As the evidence against one suspect continues to build, a desperate Manning makes a choice that risks the integrity of the case. Meanwhile, Penny’s words make Abbie question where her loyalties lie and Rob realises his newfound romance comes at a cost.

Episode 6 As a confession brings the team closer to the truth, Lisa identifies a suspect but conflicting accounts leave her questioning who to believe. With the complexities of the case proving difficult to crack, the stakes are raised as the race to bring those responsible to justice takes an unexpected turn. Aware her actions have consequences, Lisa is faced with a hard decision, but will she make the right one when protecting those she loves?

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

DC LISA ARMSTRONG Played by Morven Christie

Following the fallout from her mistake last year, Lisa has had to face the consequences of her actions and rebuild the trust of her colleagues and family. It’s taken its toll – demoted and living in a small flat with her kids, she’s spent this year trying to be the best officer, mum and daughter; supressing her adventurous spirit. Faced with one of the toughest cases of her career, Lisa must utilise all of her skills as a Family Liaison Officer to support a grieving family and search for the truth, whilst working under the colleague she trained. As work proves challenging, things aren’t any easier at home as a mysterious figure returns from the past, looking to destabilise the dynamics of her family. With her life being tested from all sides, Lisa must find strength in herself and dig deep to realise what’s truly important.

DI TONY MANNING Played by Daniel Ryan

DI Manning, late-40s, is a dedicated, down-to-earth leader. He prides himself in looking out for his officers and leading his team from the front to achieve the best results. In this most challenging of domestic cases, Manning needs to guide his team and lead them through this complex investigation, whilst dealing with the breakdown of his home life. Used to having his decisions complied with, Manning struggles to accept defeat in his broken marriage and is forced to face the consequences of his actions when his personal life starts to impact on his professional.

DS AHMED ‘MED’ KHARIM Played by Taheen Modak

Ambitious and hardworking, 29-year-old Med has had to step up as lead FLO following Lisa’s demotion. Full of genuine concern for the families he works with, Med strives to perform as best he can but, without Lisa’s experience, he’s still prone to making mistakes. With a wife and young toddler at home, Med is juggling more than most people in their twenties, and he is keen to find the balance between excelling as a DS and ensuring he’s the best father and husband for his family. In this complex case, Med goes beyond what’s required of him to uncover the truth to seek justice.

ABBIE ARMSTRONG Played by Imogen King

Armed with her mother’s stubbornness and strong-will, 17-year-old Abbie used to be the troublemaker within her family, but she’s grown up a lot over the past year and understands the sacrifices Lisa’s had to make. Increasingly aware of Lisa’s professional

and financial struggles, Abbie is determined to step up and seeks opportunities that she hopes will ease the pressure at home. But when the stability of her family is threatened, she is left wondering whether to listen to her head or her heart.

ROB ARMSTRONG Played by Art Parkinson

As the only male in a family of loud and vibrant women, 15-year-old Rob’s frequently taken a bit of a backseat compared to the rest of the Armstrong gang, until a face from the past returns to stir things up. Wanting to remain loyal to his mother’s wishes, but desperate to understand a much longed-for truth, a conflicted Rob sees his family divided and learns who he can really rely on. With a sweet, but awkward nature, Rob is ready to experience the highs and lows of first love at school, unaware of the impact this will have on his closest friendship.

PENNY ARMSTRONG Played by Lindsey Coulson

Following Lisa’s demotion, Penny has had to get used to spending less time with her daughter and grandkids, something she’s been struggling to adjust to. Only last year Lisa relied on Penny for most things and, although she felt overused sometimes, Penny has come to realise that not being needed by them is far worse. Perceptive and loyal, Penny is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to protecting her family and she has her work cut out when a face from the past returns who seems determined to push her out. Always there for Lisa in a crisis, Penny will refuse to be kept in the dark.

ANDY WARREN Played by Joe Absolom

Consistently unreliable, Andy has been absent from Lisa and the kids’ lives for nearly a decade, following a series of money troubles and failings as a husband and parent. Now claiming to have turned over a new leaf, Andy has returned with a determination to be a good parent and to rebuild the bridges he’s previously burnt in Morecambe, but this isn’t as easy as he initially thought. Faced with confusion from Lisa and the kids, Andy musters all the charm he can manage to get them on side, but is unable to win over a protective Penny. Returning at a time when Lisa and the kids are vulnerable, is this the perfect opportunity for him to make amends or to take advantage?

STEPHEN MARSHBROOK Played by Stephen Tompkinson

40-something father of three and inheritor of Bill’s hard work, Stephen is a man with goals. Like Bill, his relationships, whether personal or professional, are there to serve him. He doesn’t like to be challenged and has proven that success for him is getting

what he wants. An opinionated patriarch, he has proved to Bill time and again that he is willing to put work before family and manoeuvred himself between Bill and Mark, Bill’s son, to take over the company. Despite the way he’s fractured the family, his marriage to Rose has endured.

BILL BRADWELL Played by James Cosmo

70-something, Morecambe working-class lad made good. A father to Rose and Mark, a successful solicitor whose family law firm expanded due to his dogged perseverance and skill at identifying opportunities. He’s Teflon-coated and whether it’s his family or his business, he has always known best, providing for his kids and expecting their gratitude and loyalty in return. Recently his sharp mind has started to let him down and the family that he’s given everything to seem all too keen to take advantage of this. His success meant that his children and grand-children had a life far removed from his humble beginnings and as he enters into retirement, he has to defend his choices.

ROSE MARSHBROOK Played by Sharon Small

40-something mother of three and administrator of the family law firm, Rose embodies the maternal role for the whole family. Rose absorbs her family’s needs with a quiet determination and willingness to serve. After a tricky few years that has seen the loss of contact with her daughter, Grace, and distancing from her son, Jamie, Rose has put all of her energy into making sure Oliver feels happy and loved. Torn between loyalty to a demanding father, husband and brother, is she strong enough?

MARK BRADWELL Played by Steven Robertson

30-something Mark wants to prove himself to his dad. Overshadowed by his brother-in- law and not trusted by Bill to take charge of the family firm, Mark is painfully aware of his failings as others see it. Without the business instinct of Bill, he’s forever playing catch up to be a better version of himself. When his father retires, Mark believes this is his opportunity to step up and secure the leadership role within his family, but he’s ill- equipped to exploit people, and makes mistakes that he might not be able to undo. With the encouragement and strength of Stella at his side, Mark fights to have his achievements recognised by the rest of his family and refuses to give up when faced with the declining health of his dad. Wanting to do good, Mark is going to have to choose between his family and doing the right thing.

STELLA BRADWELL Played by Sunetra Sarker

30-something Stella is ambitious, driven and married to Mark. A woman who knows what she wants and won’t stop until she gets it, she has married into a successful family, but to its most passive member. People might think that money is what drives her and that was what attracted her to Mark, but they’d be wrong. Stella likes nice things, but she’s far more unconventional than her manicured and polished look suggests. She fell for Mark, not for his family’s money, but because he was vulnerable. She liked his mess and he wasn’t scared by hers. An observant witness to the goings on in the household and quick-thinking in a crisis, Stella will help guide Mark to pursue their shared goal.

JAMIE MARSHBROOK Played by Jack Archer

21-year-old son of Rose and Stephen, Jamie aspires beyond what Morecambe can give him. Having been travelling after his university studies, paid for by Bill, with his boyfriend Theo, he carries the guilt of the opportunities he’s enjoyed that his parents never had. Despite wanting to see the world, he can’t escape the expectations placed on him to return home. Jamie loves his family, but he’s outgrown them, wants more, and is unsure where to turn.

GRACE MARSHBROOK Played by Amy James-Kelly

23-year-old Grace is a free spirit and has escaped the family to start her life again. Compassionate and honest, it’s no coincidence that she’s chosen to work alongside immigrants at the yard, having not lost her empathy for others. Following an unexpected event, Grace is forced to reunite with the family she’s run away from. Unaware of the pain she’s been holding onto, she thinks she can forgive her family, but can she really forget the past?

OLIVER MARSHBROOK Played by Leo Ashton

10-year-old Oliver has an idyllic childhood. A sweet but often cheeky child, Oliver loves his family and enjoys nothing more than a game with his dad when he’s around. When his world falls apart, Oliver must learn a valuable life lesson and realise his words have power.

FRANK MERCER Played by Owen McDonnell

Independent and proactive, Frank is a sand-grown lad, Morecambe born-and-bred. After a stint in the army, Frank returned to his home town and, without a family to care for, built his own business. With his employees becoming his family, Frank felt a responsibility for Grace when she came to work for him five years ago and acted as a father-figure for her in listening patiently to her problems. Aware of Grace’s troubled past, will he keep her secrets when the police start asking questions?

DS KAREN HOBSON Played by Erin Shanagher

Promoted and out of uniform, Karen’s got something to prove. Her warmth and quick sense of humour keeps her colleagues going in difficult times, but when the team face an unexpected challenge, Karen focuses her energy into seeking justice. She’ll support the new members of the team, but being there for everyone else may take its toll.

DS JAMES ‘CLARKIE’ CLARKE Played by Andrew Dowbiggin

Dedicated and confident, Clarkie is known as the loud-mouthed member of the team and sometimes lets his jokes go too far. Although his heart is in the right place, his desire to impress has meant his humour has begun to grate on his colleagues and he sometimes forgets to think before he speaks. His frustration and hot temper can cause friction with his colleagues and he’s put to the test when he is given a task that demands his patience.

DS ALEX STEWART Played by Simon Manyonda

DS Alex Stewart, or “Stu” as he’s affectionately known within West Lancashire Police, is a bit of a geek at heart. He’s the techie of the team, and the tasks that many would find laborious or dull are the activities that Stu finds fascinating. When given the responsibility of training up newbie Eddie, Stu is initially hesitant, but more than willing to pass on his knowledge and skill to a new generation of detectives. Presented with a case that requires a lot of detailed digging, Stu throws himself into the nitty gritty work and consistently achieves vital results for the team. The quieter, considerate colleague, Stu can always be relied on.

DC EDDIE MARTIN Played by Thomas Law

Young, keen and enthusiastic, Eddie’s the newest member of the team and desperate to do a good job. Having always dreamed of joining the force, Eddie is proud of how far he’s come and admires his highly experienced colleagues. Taken under Stu’s wing, Eddie follows the instructions given to him with an expert eye, keen to go above and beyond to get the job done. But the reality of policing hits Eddie hard on this case and he’s left wondering if he’s strong enough to do the job. Has he got the mettle to survive being a cop in this cruel and unforgiving world?

PRODUCTION INTERVIEWS

An Interview with Catherine Oldfield Executive Producer

What was it about series one that made it such a success? It was fantastic that the audience came to the show in such large numbers. I think people really connected to the world, the sense of community and the characters as well as the twists and turns of the investigation. It’s a very real show...The Bay feels like somewhere you might live or you know people who live in places like it. I think people loved how beautiful Morecambe is - it really is a very special place with a real sense of community and the scale of the place is perfect for the screen. It was wonderful to be able to capture that.

How do you feel the public reacted to the story? From the people I’ve spoken to, it seems that lots of people really responded to the characters. None of them are perfect but they are doing their best, regardless of their circumstances and that makes the story we told really accessible. We had lots of comments about the crime story and people seemed to like the tragedy of the crime...they said it felt true to life that not everything was neatly tied up.

How did you work with Daragh on moving the series on? It’s always a challenge to do the next series but we learned a lot from making the first one. Daragh and I had a very clear idea of the opening five minutes of episode one and, with the brilliant script team, we built the story from there. It’s great fun because anything is possible and everyone threw everything at it. It’s truly a team pursuit although Daragh has the massive job of turning our story ideas into actual scripts.

What can we expect from series two? We are exploring a different part of Morecambe in the crime story for series two - it’s set in a slightly more affluent part of town than the previous series but remains authentic to Morecambe. This series focuses on a new case that involves a family who own and run a local solicitors firm, headed up by Bill, played by James Cosmo, and Stephen, played by Stephen Tompkinson.

Does Lisa, Morven’s character, get her life back on track? We left Lisa in a bit of a state at the end of series one and when we meet her again at the start of this series, she’s still paying for her mistakes - she’s had to sell the house and is living in a small flat with the kids. She’s been demoted and is no longer allowed to work as an FLO. There are real tensions in the police team. She’s definitely on the outside, trying to prove her worth to reclaim the trust and respect of Manning, Med and the rest of her colleagues. However her past is about to reappear throwing her home life into turmoil. Morven has a lot to do and she does it brilliantly.

What characters are new to series two? Loads of new characters this series played by some of Britain’s best and most loved actors as well as some newer faces who we are pretty sure are going to go on to have brilliant careers. James Cosmo is Bill, the patriarch of the Bradwell family, who own a Morecambe firm of solicitors who specialise in property, wills and family law. His son- in-law, played by Stephen Tompkinson, and daughter, Sharon Small, both work in the firm along with his son, Mark. Mark and his wife Stella are currently living with Bill. We meet the family at Bill’s retirement barbecue and it’s pretty clear there are tensions between them all.

An Interview with Daragh Carville Writer & Executive Producer

Describe how the second series has moved on from the first? Without giving too much away there's a new crime in the Bay and that brings with it a new family to explore. Meanwhile Lisa is dealing with new challenges in her own life, both at work and at home. She's trying to move on with her life, but the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you, just at the wrong time.

What inspired you with this particular storyline? In the first series we saw the impact of a murder on a working-class family already struggling with the pressures of life in straitened times. In this series I wanted to explore a different kind of family, and a new part of the world of Morecambe Bay. So this time the focus is on a middle-class family, the Marshbrooks, whose seemingly comfortable lives are shattered by a sudden, shocking tragedy.

What research did you have to do for this series? As with series one, a lot of the research involved simply spending time in and around Morecambe and the Bay, soaking up the atmosphere, exploring every nook and cranny, getting to know the place and the people. The Bay is after all the title character of the series! But we also have brilliant police advisors - Malcolm and Paul - who keep an eye on the police procedural parts of the show and are quick to answer questions and offer ideas of their own. We also worked with and spoke to a number of charities about the storylines too, including MIND, Victim’s Support and Women’s Aid. Then we spoke with several people in terms of the legal side of the drama, several Family Law solicitors, a Family Law QC, Simon Dilloway of Lopham Consultancy and Child Psychologist Katri Kuusniemi. All of whom were so generous with their time and expertise.

What has Morven brought to her character in this series? We get to see another side of Lisa in this series and I know Morven was very keen to do that. She really wanted to unpick the layers of the character, both in her working life and her home life. Morven's really made the character her own and I've rarely worked with an actor who is as committed, as focused, as forensic as she is. She's just brilliant. For me, Morven's work on The Bay confirms that she's simply one of the most exciting actors in the UK.

What did Joe bring to the role of Andy? Andy is a new character in the world of The Bay and there's something of a mystery about him. You never know quite where you are with Andy and what makes Joe perfect for the role is that he can be both charming and menacing, and he has the ability to shift from one to the other in a heartbeat. In real life, though, Joe's all charm and no menace!

What did you want to show in the Marshbrook family dynamic? On the surface the Marshbrooks seem to be an ordinary family. A nice house in the suburbs, a nice car in the drive, a nice family barbecue in the back garden: that kind of family. But the more we explore their story the more we discover that ultimately there's no such thing as an ordinary family. Every family has its secrets. Every family has its hidden heartaches. Every family is extraordinary.

What can audiences expect from this series? I hope they can expect a gripping thriller with a strong narrative drive and lots of twists and turns, but at the same time an intimate, emotional drama about family. They can certainly expect an incredible cast and a range of intense, powerhouse performances. In addition they can expect the whole thing to play out against the beautiful, dramatic backdrop of the Bay itself.

An Interview with Alexander Lamb Producer

Why do you think the first series of The Bay was such a success? I think The Bay was such a success because it told the story of real people in a town that although they don’t necessarily know, the audience will recognise. It was very relatable to a lot of audience members.

Describe Morecambe Bay and why it has become almost like a character in the show? The Bay itself has definitely become one of the main characters in the show. It's really beautiful and has some of the best sunsets I've ever seen in the world. But it also has this mysterious quality. The water changing on the bay day by day, hour by hour, can make it feel treacherous and a bit scary, reflecting the unknown. This is what our stories are about, mysteries lurking beneath the surface and unfolding as we continue through the series.

How has the second series moved on from the first? Series one focused on the working class fishing industry side of Morecambe, for series two we are focusing on the middle class side of the town. The story surrounds a family of solicitors. As the investigation starts, questions are raised as to whether this is something to do with the family, is it something to do with the law firm? It is all rather mysterious and strange for our police to investigate. Then of course we are focusing on Lisa, her career after what happened in series one and her family. Lisa is now a DC rather than a DS and is very much on the back foot but she’s trying to rebuild her life for her family. She is also really trying at work, focusing on doing the right thing and working hard. There's a lot of pressure being put on Lisa as we start series two.

How has Daragh moved the series on this year? We are really blessed with Daragh Carville as our writer. He has an incredible sense of storytelling that feels very real. Although it’s a police drama, the stories are focused on families, which makes it very relatable. Everyone can relate to Lisa and her family as well as to the family we're investigating. Daragh has captured the mystery of police drama, and juxtaposed it with real stories and people who are reflected in Lisa's character.

What does Morven bring to the character of Lisa? Coming in new to this series, I was overwhelmed by how good an actress Morven is. She's so intelligent, a really clever actress. It's really fantastic to have a lead that is so invested in the show. Morven is always pushing for the scripts and the scenes and everything else to be as good and as real as they can be. She's also a very good leader and the cast look up to her. She was working virtually everyday, flat out, with good humour and also putting in fantastic performances. She is wonderful.

CAST INTERVIEWS

An interview with Morven Christie Playing DS Lisa Armstrong

Why do you think the first series was such a success? We were all pleasantly surprised with how well it did. From my perspective I feel it did that well because it looked really distinctive. Lee Haven Jones, (Director episodes 1-3) and Ryan Kernaghan (DOP), created this aesthetic that looked really different from everything else that was on TV at that point. I also think it helped that it was set in a part of the country that you don’t usually see on television. Visually it was bleakly beautiful, it had this cold Scandi look to it. Plus the bay itself photographs so beautifully.

The bay itself is a character, can you describe it and how it is a metaphor for the show? Morecambe Bay itself is vast, but each little section of it is completely different. Sometimes you'll go down there and the tide is miles and miles out, and it’s just mudflats and quicksand, almost all the way across to the Lake District. Then other times the tide can come in, in minutes; it happens so fast that it catches you unawares. There are bits where it looks rocky, but once you get down onto it, it's hunks of mud. Visually it can go from these beautiful sunsets and sunrises over the water, to these moments where it looks like it’s closing in on you. It’s quite powerful in terms of imagery. It definitely changes the mood of the town. There’s a scene we shot on the prom; it was really sunny and it felt like it was a festival in the middle of summer and everybody was out. Then two days later it was freezing and foggy which made it suddenly feel like a different town. That feeds the spirit of the place; it feeds the spirit of the stories really well.

What do you enjoy about playing Lisa? Some of the things that are often said to me about Lisa, about her being complicated and flawed feels like it is unusual but the truth is every human being is complicated and flawed. I feel we've suffered a little bit in TV from female characters always having to be one certain thing, so when they're multi-layered, people aren’t sure if they are likeable. I like playing her because she's really relatable. Lisa doesn't suffer fools, she's very straightforward and she really, really loves her kids. When she likes someone, when she cares about someone, she really cares about them. When someone's annoying to her, she's really annoyed by them. I like that. She's smart.

Where do we find her in series two? Lisa is just a single mum who's pushed her way through and at the point that we find her in series two, she's made some really heavy mistakes and she's paying for it. She's in quite a vulnerable place. She’s got no money and her professional life is in a really precarious state because she's on probation. There's doubt around whether she'll ever be able to claw her way back up to her previous role. She's tried to rebuild her relationship with her children, which feels like it is on the mend, but with the job that

she has and the time that that takes up, that's always a little bit delicate too. She no longer has any of the things she used to rely on. They've all been broken down, so she's just a bit at sea and is trying hard to get solid ground under her feet again.

What feels different this series? The scripts are really different this series. Series one was a lot more character led. This year it feels more crime-led. Series two has a lot of players, all of whom you could consider being involved. Lisa is like a comfy outfit for me, when I got the first block scripts it was like sinking back into an armchair.

Why should people look forward to series two of The Bay? There isn’t anything quite like it on TV, on the basis that the characters that are in this show are quite different. That was what always appealed to me about this show is I don't think you necessarily see these, people, these characters on TV very much. It is also really nice to see Lisa trying to redeem herself from some of the mistakes that she made and not necessarily succeeding at that. It gets ever more complicated as new elements are thrown in.

An Interview with Daniel Ryan Playing DI Anthony ‘Tony’ Manning

Why do you think The Bay was such a hit? The genre that we inhabit is a well-trodden path; people love a crime drama and I never know what the specific ingredient is that makes it so successful. However I think for The Bay, that special ingredient, or what was special about it was the location. There was also something about those characters and what they were going through in their personal lives that struck a chord.

What is it about Morecambe Bay itself that is so unique? When staying in Morecambe during filming I always try and stay right on the sea front. The very first time I went there I had a walk around to get a feel for the town. When shooting somewhere that is being depicted in a television show it’s really important to me to inhabit the town. In Morecambe especially, there's a sense of desolation to the sea front and the faded glory of a seaside town, but it's also so beautiful there. That makes for an interesting additional character and it just works for whatever story we are trying to tell.

Does Morecambe Bay have a menace there that helps tell the story? Absolutely. The tide goes out so far in Morecambe, then comes in quicker than you can ever imagine. There is a real sense that you're aware there's something dark about the whole town. There is a faded melancholy about the place which I don't think people who live there would mind me saying. I know they feel it is a town that needs some love.

What is it about Daragh’s scripts that are so engaging and appealing? Daragh has this ability to write in a way that makes us feel like we aren’t just making a police procedural show, because you invest so much in the characters. You really believe in them. You believe they have a history. I don't know how a writer manages to do that, but there's a humanity and depth to each of them that is completely relatable to the audience. The audience really felt for the characters, really loved them, or just really disliked them. That doesn't come for free, that only comes with a good writer. Daragh imbues that with fantastic suspense. It is ultimately a whodunit but it never feels like that. It’s a magic ingredient.

How has this series stepped up a level? What is great on a personal level is that we get to know my character’s background a little bit more. In the first series we only saw him at work doing his job and his relationship with Lisa. In series two it opens up a bit and we get to see what's going on in his home life, which is great for me to play. I knew Daragh had written a really brilliant breakdown of the character and what was happening to him so to see it on screen has been great.

What does Morven bring to the role of Lisa? Morven's got an ability to add a unique authenticity to her lines that is not easy to achieve but she makes it look easy. She doesn't deliver the lines in the way you might expect her to because she's always thinking. She's at the top of her game, an amazing actress. I love the fact that Daragh has written more personal interplay between the two of them in this series as well. It feels like we have a lot more scenes together which has been great to play out.

What is Morven like to work with? Morven is probably one of the hardest working actors I've ever worked with. She really does her homework. She puts me to shame at how in-depth she's thought through a scene. She will relate it to another event that happened in the story and she'll question and fight for, defend her character in certain ways. Her work ethic pays off on the screen. Someone who knows exactly who they're playing and exactly what they're doing. That’s why she and the show are great to watch.

How excited should people be for series two of The Bay? Wherever I go, people tell me how much they loved series one. This year I think the story is even better if that’s possible! If you’ve been with us on this journey so far, then the audience is going to love series two.

An Interview with Taheen Modak Playing DC Ahmed ‘Med’ Kharim

Why do you think the first series was such a success? For me, it wasn’t just a great script but also a great cast. Morven Christie, Dan Ryan, Chanel Creswell, Jonas Armstrong, I could go on, it was a company of heavyweights. We had a great chemistry with each other that was apparent on the screen. The location too is so scenic and filmic and just a beautiful landscape to film in. Daragh’s scripts were so good and so unique. It's a different take on a procedural drama, which made it stand out.

What does Morven bring to the role of Lisa and the show itself? Morven is just in control at all times; she knows the job back to front. When we’re filming she makes it look effortless. I remember her talking a lot about the little details that build up a character. For example before a scene begins she is holding a phone, keys, she’s got a notepad, she’s got a pen and there's a messiness that is very human, very real and she has that down to a tee. The challenge as an actor is to make it seem that the dialogue is just a reaction off the person you’re acting against, or the information that you've just received. Morven makes everything so real. Watching her work is a pleasure every day. I really feel like I've learned from her. I've got a bit more control from my performance, handling the cameras, the lights and the pace of working on set. I feel like I am able to bring some ideas to the table, as Morven has so much control over her craft and it's exciting to work like that.

Do you think that people should be excited about the new series? If you thought the first series was good, Daragh has really stepped it up this series. It is just such a good drama. There’s so much action; it really pushes the boundaries and goes to some dark places. Daragh has done this from the very first scenes and that is so exciting for an audience. He has just upped the stakes completely.

An Interview with Lindsey Coulson Playing Penny Armstrong

So what is it about the Bay that made it such success? There are a number of things that made it very successful; Morecambe Bay being its own character. It was beautifully shot and had an edgy feel to it. Added to that, Morven Christie is a really natural, talented actress and she drove the whole piece through.

What does the town of Morecambe and the bay bring to the show? Morecambe in a sense can feel like a scary place as although it is a seaside town, at times you can't enter into the water. We filmed in the Royal National Lifeboat Institute base and we chatted a lot to the volunteers who run the lifeboats and the stories are quite scary. They told us so many stories of people who have walked a certain part of the beach for years having suddenly got caught in quicksand because the environment changes so dramatically so quickly and without warning. The amount of rescues they do where people literally get stuck to their armpits when the tide has started to come in is terrifying. The bay is also massive, you can see right across to Barrow-in-Furness and right over to the Lake District. Depending on the sun and the weather, the vista is incredible. The juxtaposition from beautiful sunsets to the danger of the tides is amazing actually.

What about the scripts for this series? Daragh is a brilliant writer who has a real knack for language and dialogue that it's not an effort to learn. That is always a good indication of a script that works well.

What does Morven bring to her role? Morven brings real truth and honesty. She is just such a natural actress. She can do something very slight with her voice or the way that she looks that changes it, you don't actually know she's acting. She works really well with the camera and is just a lovely person to be in a room with and to work with.

How excited should people be about the second series? People should be excited because it's Morven, it's ITV, it's Morecambe Bay. The show is about the fabric of Morecambe and the lives of the people that live there. In the first series you were introduced to these characters and you got to learn a little bit about their home life. In series two we are slowly building the blocks to round out these characters and what happens to them outside of work.

Do the stories feel bigger this year? When there’s a murder and a big cast there are going to be a lot of red herrings and certain paths that don't lead anywhere. That is a real skill as a writer to get new characters and a new family on the page. The police characters are the DNA and fabric that keep the pace going. Also the introduction this year of Andy and how that pans out for Penny was great for me to play.

An Interview with Joe Absolom Playing Andy Warren

Did you watch the first series and why do you think it worked? I think the first series was successful because it was such an intriguing story and at the heart of every good television series is the story. It also showcased families in a place that they may feel is familiar to them but won’t have seen before. It was quite nice to actually have a drama that shows Morecambe Bay and its natural beauty with the Lake District’s mountains in the distance and the tide coming in and out so quickly. That setting of a crime drama added to its appeal. Focusing on a family liaison officer is a new angle in the crime genre too which added to its appeal. You often see these horrible crimes happen, you see a police presence in the house but we never actually find out what the family liaison officers do and the kind of relationships they have with the family. It's a different angle on that part of a murder and how they work to find the culprit, which is so intriguing.

Describe your character? My character, Andy Warren arrives at the start of series two. He's Lisa’s ex and the father of Rob and Abbie. He hasn't been around for about 10 years and turns up out of the blue leaving the kids confused as to why and Lisa wary. Lisa is a tough character and working with Morven has been great, she has made it all feel so real which has been incredible.

What does Morven bring to the part? For me Morven and the storylines are the reason the show was successful in the first series. She is so natural and watchable. Daniel Ryan is also an incredible actor. To have that as a package, and then get to work with them both has been fantastic. There were so many scenes with Morven where for example she was angry or sad with Andy and I felt it in my bones. That is an incredible talent; plus she’s just the nicest person, you couldn’t ask for more really.

Why should people be excited for the new series of The Bay? There’s so much to look forward to in the second series, and so many twists and turns. That’s just the general story, never mind what happens with my character. Whenever I chatted to people about joining the show, they were so excited about it so I know there are a lot of people out there who are looking forward to the next installment. It feels like one of those scripts when you turn the page or you get the next episode you don’t know what is going to happen or if you’re going to make it. A bit like, Game of Thrones in Morecambe!

ABOUT TALL STORY PICTURES

Founded in 2016, Tall Story Pictures produces television drama for UK and international broadcasters, working with the very best established and emerging writing talent. Our aim is simple: to place the writer's vision at the heart of everything we develop and produce, and to engage and entertain audiences with exceptional storytelling.