Kelly Reilly, celebrated for her powerful portrayal of Beth Dutton in the hit series Yellowstone, has embarked on a compelling new television venture that marks a significant departure from the American West. The acclaimed actress now headlines the atmospheric and suspenseful detective thriller Under Salt Marsh, which made its highly anticipated debut on Sky this week.
A Chilling Premise Set in a Welsh Community
The six-part drama, which premiered with its first two episodes on Friday, 30th January 2026, transports viewers to the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen. Reilly assumes the role of Jackie Ellis, a former detective who has left the police force behind to become a school teacher. Her quiet life is shattered when she makes a harrowing discovery: the body of her nine-year-old pupil, Cefin, apparently drowned.
Unearthing Dark Secrets and Past Trauma
This tragic event sends shockwaves through the tight-knit coastal community and violently resurrects the ghost of an unsolved cold case from three years prior. That case involved the disappearance of Jackie's own niece, Nessa, a devastating event that cost Jackie her career in law enforcement and fractured her relationship with her sister. The new investigation is officially led by her ex-partner, Eric Bull, portrayed by Rafe Spall, forcing the pair to navigate their personal conflicts while delving into the town's darkest secrets.
The official synopsis describes the series as a "gripping and cinematic crime drama", set against a backdrop of a community precariously nestled between mountains and a fast-encroaching sea. A looming once-in-a-generation storm adds to the palpable tension, mirroring the turmoil within the town. As the plot unfolds across the six episodes, a mysterious connection between the two tragic cases begins to emerge, promising a complex and emotionally charged narrative.
An Impressive Supporting Cast
Under Salt Marsh boasts a formidable ensemble cast featuring some of British television's most respected talents. Joining Reilly and Spall are Jonathan Pryce (The Crown) as Solomon Bevan, a respected community elder, and Harry Lawtey (Industry) as a young resident linked to both Jackie and the crime.
The supporting lineup is further strengthened by Naomi Yang (Wolfe), Kimberley Nixon (Fresh Meat), Brian Gleeson (Bad Sisters), and Mark Stanley (Happy Valley), ensuring a depth of performance that matches the series' intense premise.
Release Schedule and Future Projects
Following the two-part premiere, new instalments of this must-see drama will be released weekly on Fridays throughout February. For fans of Kelly Reilly, this role marks a welcome return to British television screens. Meanwhile, audiences can also look forward to her eventual reunion with Cole Hauser's Rip Wheeler in the forthcoming Yellowstone spin-off, The Dutton Ranch, which is expected to launch later this year.
Under Salt Marsh is available to stream now on Sky and its streaming service, NOW.
