Sky has confirmed it is commissioning a second instalment of its atmospheric crime drama Under Salt Marsh. The currently untitled series will return with six episodes following Rafe Spall reprising his role as Detective Eric Bull.
Created, written and directed by Claire Oakley, Under Salt Marsh debuted in January 2026 to widespread critical praise and became the largest Sky Original drama launch since The Day of the Jackal.
Spin-off moves to Scotland
The original series, set and filmed in Wales, begins with the death of a schoolboy whose body is discovered in a rainwater ditch by his schoolteacher and former police detective Jackie Ellis (Kelly Reilly) when a huge storm hits the Welsh town of Morfa Halen.
For the spin-off, the story will not return to Wales. Instead, Rafe's character relocates to an isolated Scottish mining village described as drowning beneath the burden of its own secrets. A murder inquiry draws him nearer to the reality of his own history.
Creator and cast reactions
Claire Oakley said: "I am thrilled to be taking the series to another unique part of the UK where we explore a gripping mystery and unearth buried secrets. Rafe Spall brought Eric Bull's idiosyncrasies to life so brilliantly in the first series that taking his character onwards is an absolute pleasure. And I'm delighted to be continuing the partnership with Little Door and Sky."
The programme is produced by Little Door Productions alongside Sky Studios. Meghan Lyvers, Managing Director of Scripted Originals at Sky, said: "Under Salt Marsh deeply connected with our audiences, and we're delighted to be returning to the world Claire Oakley created for a new chapter. Claire is an exceptional storyteller, with a remarkable ability to create richly drawn characters and a powerful sense of place, and we can't wait to see where she takes audiences next. Rafe brought such complexity and humanity to Bull in the first series, and it's fantastic to have him back at the heart of this new story. A huge thanks to Claire, Elwen and everyone at Little Door Productions for continuing to be such brilliant partners."
Production details
Elwen Rowlands, Executive Producer and CEO of Little Door, added: "We're incredibly proud to be returning to the world of Under Salt Marsh with a brilliant new story in Claire Oakley's distinctive, atmospheric drama. It's been hugely exciting to see audiences respond to the series' rich sense of place, complex characters and compelling storytelling. With Rafe Spall returning as Detective Eric Bull, this new series introduces an engaging new community and mystery, while expanding the emotional and cinematic world that made the first series so special."
A release date has not yet been announced, but production for the second instalment will commence in Scotland during 2027.
