The fifth season of The Bay is set to premiere on , featuring family liaison officer Jenn Townsend supporting a bereaved family after their daughter's tragic death. A young woman's body is discovered, and Jenn must put her own sorrow aside as she navigates the tensions within a fractured family.
The deceased girl's parents, who are divorced, are compelled to face their shattered relationship in the wake of their daughter's murder, with the girl's grandfather and brother caught in the crossfire.
In addition, Jenn's personal life takes a turn for the worse when an unexpected visitor shows up at her doorstep. Shaun Evans, star of Endeavour, was enlisted to direct the first three episodes, while Waris Islam took over for the latter half of the season.
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Here's everything you need to know about the cast.
DS Jenn Townsend is played by Marsha Thomason, a 49 year old English actress best known for her role as Sara Evers in Disney's The Haunted Mansion.
Thomason has also starred in Las Vegas, Lost, and White Collar.
She tied the knot with lighting technician Craig Sykes in Malibu, California in 2009, and they welcomed their daughter in June 2013.
She became a US citizen in 2012.
DI Tony Manning - Daniel RyanDI Tony Manning is portrayed by Daniel Ryan, a 57 year old English actor and writer recognised for his roles in Linda Green and The Government Inspector.
In 2022, he played DAC Peter Clarke in the four-part ITV series Litvinenko.
DS Karen Hobson - Erin ShanagherDS Karen Hobson is portrayed by Erin Shanagher, an English actress known for her guest roles in Peaky Blinders and The Family Pile, as well as various roles in Doctors, Casualty and Father Brown.
Clarkie - Andrew DowbigginClarkie is played by Andrew Dowbiggin, a British actor who transitioned from the steel and construction industry to acting, with appearances in , and Casualty.
Lou McClaren - Olwen MayLou McClaren is brought to life by 62 year old English actress and theatre director Olwen May, recognised for her roles in and Inspector George Gently, and partner of actor Kevin Doyle, also known for his role in Downton Abbey.
Chris Fischer is played by 44 year old English actor Barry Sloane, famous for his role as serial killer Niall Rafferty in Channel 4's Hollyoaks, with other credits including DCI Banks, Holby City and Revenge.
He is married to Katy O'Grady, the fourth-place runner-up of the third series of the Sky One programme Project Catwalk, and they have two children, Gracie Bluebell and Lennon Michael.
Erin Fischer - Georgia ScholesErin Fischer is played by young actress Georgia Scholes, previously seen in Violence Within and Hollyoaks.
Conor Townsend - David CarpenterConor Townsend is portrayed by David Carpenter, whose only listed acting credit is The Bay.
Maddie Townsend - Emme HayesMaddie Townsend is played by Emme Hayes, who also has The Bay as her sole acting credit.
Anne Jackson - Suzanne PackerAnne Jackson is portrayed by Suzanne Packer, a 62 year old Welsh actress best known for her role as Tess Bateman in Casualty. She was previously married to American actor Jesse Newman, whom she met while touring Europe.
Sinead Flanagan is brought to life by Tara Lynne O'Neill, a 49 year old Irish actress recognised for her roles in The Fall, Derry Girls and Hope Street. Interestingly, she once aspired to be a dentist but had to abandon this dream after failing her GCSE in chemistry.
Julie Ashworth - Leanne BestJulie Ashworth is played by Leanne Best, a 44 year old English actress celebrated for her roles in Ripper Street, Cold Feet and Line of Duty. She also starred as 'The Woman In Black' in the 2014 film The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death.
Tommy Campbell - David TroughtonTommy Campbell is enacted by David Troughton, a 74 year old English actor renowned for his Shakespearean stage roles. He's also known for playing Dr Bob Buzzard in A Very Peculiar Practice and Ricky Hanson in New Tricks.
He hails from a famous family of actors including his father Patrick and elder brother Michael.
Steve Dawson - Neil MaskellSteve Dawson is depicted by Neil Maskell, a 49 year old English actor and writer acclaimed for his work in crime and horror films. His credits include Raised by Wolves, The Mummy, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and Peaky Blinders.
Craig Ashworth - Stephen WightCraig Ashworth is portrayed by Stephen Wight, a 44 year old English actor renowned for his theatre roles. His television appearances include A Touch of Frost, Misfits, Sherlock, Silent Witness and Andor.
The rest of the cast features Ceallach Spellman as Bradley Dawson, Holly Maquire as Emma Bradshaw, Max Ferguson as Elliot Hayes, Darryl Mundo as Jude Bell, Lex Shrapnel as Dr David Wallasey, Lucy Chambers as Poppy Richards, Steven Elder as ACC Robert Pearson and Lorna Brown as DCI Josephine Hardy.
The Bay season 5 will be broadcast on ITV on March 2 at 9pm.