‘Grantchester’ star teams up with ‘Home Fires’ producer for new police drama

ITV has announced the cast for new original crime drama The Bay.

Executive produced by Catherine Oldfield (Home Fires) and directed by Robert Quinn (Home Fires), the six-part series is set in the English seaside town of Morecambe.

Morven Christie (The A Word, The Replacement) will star as Detective Sergeant Lisa Armstrong, a fierce and hard-working Family Liaison Officer.

Best known for her role as Amanda in Grantchester, the Scottish actress commented: ““Lisa is such a refreshingly real character – brilliant and flawed, trying to make everything work, and often failing. I adore her. And I loved Daragh’s scripts, rooted in the families and community of this distinctive town.

“I hope we’re going to make something that feels raw and real, as well as being a hugely compelling story.”

The official synopsis for The Bay reads: “When Detective Sergeant Lisa Armstrong is assigned to a missing persons investigation, at first it seems like any other – tragic, but all too familiar. As a Family Liaison Officer, she’s trained never to get emotionally involved.

“Her job is to support families during the worst time of their lives whilst also to be the eyes and ears of the police investigation; a cuckoo in the nest. But there’s something very different about this particular case. With horror Lisa realises she’s got a personal connection with this frightened family; one that could compromise her and the investigation. As she grapples to get justice for the grieving family, Lisa discovers it could come at a cost.”

ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill said: “It’s always a challenge to find a fresh take on crime, but Daragh Carville has written a very real crime story about family and community, which is distinctive, compelling and beautifully crafted. I’m delighted Morven Christie has agreed to play DS Lisa Armstrong alongside a very impressive ensemble cast.”

The cast also includes Jonas Armstrong (Ripper Street), Tracie Bennett (Scott & Bailey), Lindsey Coulson (EastEnders), Chanel Cresswell (This is England ’90), Louis Greatorex (Last Tango in Halifax), Adam Long (Happy Valley) and Daniel Ryan (Mount Pleasant).

Morven Christie is currently filming the fourth season of Grantchester.

Grantchester Season 3 is available now to buy on DVD.

The Bay begins filming in August and will air on ITV in 2019.