The Bay Season 5: A New Chapter Begins
The tragic death of a young university student in the picturesque seaside town of Morecambe serves as the catalyst for the latest season of The Bay. ITV’s compelling drama has returned for its fifth installment, featuring Marsha Thomason as the determined DS Jenn Townsend and Daniel Ryan as DI Tony Manning, who are thrust into a gripping new police investigation set against the stunning backdrop of Lancashire.
Catherine Oldfield, the executive producer, shared insights about the season’s premise: “When the body of a 23-year-old university student named Hannah is discovered murdered near the docks, DS Townsend finds herself in the midst of a fractured family rife with unresolved tensions. Her diplomatic abilities will be put to the ultimate test.” The major investigation unit (MIU) is called in to tackle the case, which reveals hidden friendships, secret affairs, and complicated dynamics within Hannah’s life. As the MIU team delves deeper, DS Townsend must grapple with her own grief over her father’s recent passing while navigating the turmoil within Hannah’s divided family.
Recap of Season 4’s Dramatic Conclusion
In the fourth season of The Bay, DS Jenn Townsend (portrayed by Marsha Thomason) and her investigative team tackled two arson cases that turned out to be more complex than they initially appeared. The storyline centers around two rival building firms, the McGregors and the Metcalfs, who were competing for a lucrative contract to develop the Frontierland site.
Amid these investigations, DS Townsend discovered her daughter was being bullied at school, leading to a brick being thrown through the window of their family home. Surveillance footage revealed that the perpetrator was Lewis Walsh, the bully who happened to be the son of Kim McGregor. Despite her personal connection to the case, DS Townsend was forbidden from arresting Lewis, which put her in a challenging position.
Instead of focusing on Lewis, DS Townsend had to prioritize the arson cases—one that resulted in the tragic death of Beth Metcalf at her family home and another at her husband Dean Metcalf’s builder’s yard. As the investigation progressed, DS Townsend managed to arrest Lewis, whose fingerprints matched those found on a lighter discovered near the Metcalf house fire. In a shocking confession, Lewis revealed he had set the fire to gain his stepfather Terry McGregor’s approval after the Metcalfs won the bid for the Frontierland project.
Subsequently, Carl, Terry McGregor’s son, admitted to starting the fire at the Metcalf’s yard under his father’s direction to sabotage their development plans. When Terry was brought in for questioning, it was revealed that his desperation to secure the site stemmed from a dark family secret—his father had murdered a local planning officer, and Terry had helped him bury the body years ago. He was determined to keep this buried secret from being discovered.
Meanwhile, back at the station, DI Manning faced the looming threat of staff cuts, while DS Townsend’s partner, Chris, took a significant step by changing the locks on their home, preventing his ex-wife Jacqui from intruding at will.
Meet the Cast of The Bay
Marsha Thomason
Marsha Thomason takes center stage as DS Jenn Townsend, a family liaison officer with the MIU in Morecambe. Reflecting on her character’s struggles, Thomason noted, “Jenn faces a tumultuous season, grappling with the grief of her father’s passing and the complexities of her relationships.” The talented actress, known for her roles in Pie in the Sky and Lost, continues to deliver a powerful performance.
Neil Maskell
Neil Maskell joins the cast as Steve Dawson, a mini-cab driver and father of one of the victims. With a rich filmography that includes Nil By Mouth and Peaky Blinders, Maskell adds depth to the narrative.
Georgia Scholes
Georgia Scholes portrays Erin Fischer, the daughter of Chris and step-daughter of DS Townsend. Having been part of the series since its third season, Scholes brings a youthful energy to the show, previously seen in Hollyoaks and Brassic.
Stephen Wight
Stephen Wight takes on the role of Craig Ashworth, a carpet-fitter and stepfather to one of the victims. Known for his diverse roles across various series, Wight’s performance continues to captivate audiences.
- Daniel Ryan as DI Tony Manning (Mount Pleasant, Passenger)
- Erin Shanagher as DS Karen Hobson (Viewpoint, Holby City)
- Andrew Dowbiggin as DS James Clarke (Coronation Street, Emmerdale)
- Olwen May as DC Louise ‘Lou’ McClaren (Slow Horses, Coronation Street)
- Barry Sloane as Chris Fischer (Litvinenko, Passenger)
- David Carpenter as Conor Townsend
- Emme Hayes as Maddie Townsend
- Suzanne Packer as Anne Jackson (Casualty, Ridley)
- Tara Lynne O’Neill as Sinead Flanagan (Eastenders, Derry Girls)
- Leanne Best as Julie Ashworth (G’wed, Young Wallander)
- David Troughton as Tommy Campbell (Fifteen-Love, Call the Midwife)
- Ceallach Spellman as Bradley Dawson (Cold Feet, Waterloo Road)
- Holly Maguire as Emma Bradshaw (The Trap, Doctors)
Filming Locations for The Bay
The Bay is set against the striking coastal landscape of Morecambe in Lancashire. The series beautifully captures the essence of this once-bustling seaside resort, with filming locations that include the notable nuclear power station at Heysham. Writer Daragh Carville, who resides in the Morecambe Bay region, expressed his deep connection to the area, stating, “The show’s setting is always on my mind as I plan for its future.”
This season features breathtaking coastal scenes, with locations like Sunderland Point and Glasson Dock playing pivotal roles. Daniel Ryan, who portrays DI Tony Manning, emphasized the unique charm of Morecambe, saying, “The extraordinary beauty of the location always leaves me in awe when I arrive to film.” The series artfully showcases the stunning vistas of Morecambe Bay, including the iconic Stone Jetty and the town’s historic architecture, adding a rich visual layer to the storytelling.
When to Watch The Bay Season 5
The Bay premiered on ITV1 on Sunday, March 2nd, at 9 PM with an hour-long episode. The new season consists of six episodes, airing weekly on Sunday evenings. Viewers can also stream all six episodes, along with the previous four seasons, on ITVX, ensuring that fans can immerse themselves in the gripping narratives at their convenience.
