Sky Orders Original Crime Thriller Under Salt Marsh

Sky has ordered the original crime thriller Under Salt Marsh from writer, creator and executive producer Claire Oakley (Make Up).

Starring Kelly Reilly (Yellowstone, Here), the series is set in a fictional tight-knit Welsh community. When a once-in-a-generation storm begins to gather out at sea, former detective-turned-teacher Jackie Ellis discovers the body of an 8-year-old student seemingly drowned.

The discovery rattles the community and revives an unsolved cold case that affected the town three years prior—the disappearance of Jackie’s niece, which cost her career. Jackie’s former partner returns to the town to lead the investigation. Both are convinced the cases are linked, and they must reconcile their relationship and race to uncover the town’s secrets before the storm breaks and washes away all the evidence.

Under Salt Marsh is being produced by Little Door Productions, in association with Sky Studios, and is set to begin filming later this year. It will be available on Sky and NOW in the U.K., Ireland and Italy. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution will handle international sales.

“Under Salt Marsh is a crime thriller set in a community deeply connected to its environment and interwoven with the heartache, fears, dreams and secrets of its people,” Oakley said. “At the heart of it all is Jackie, a character who embodies the wildness of the place we’re depicting. She’s free-spirited, compassionate and determined, with a steely resolve that makes her truly of the land. We’re absolutely thrilled to have Kelly Reilly bringing Jackie to life.”

Elwen Rowlands, executive producer and CEO of Little Door, said, “It’s been a pleasure developing this series with the inspirational Claire Oakley. Sky Studios coming on board has given the show a perfect home, and now we have the hugely talented Kelly Reilly taking on the lead role—we couldn’t be happier.”

“Under Salt Marsh is a uniquely powerful drama, which we are incredibly proud to support at Sky Studios,” added Meghan Lyvers, director of original series for Sky Studios in the U.K. and Ireland. “Claire Oakley is an exceptional creative talent who has crafted a deeply emotional and universal story that explores themes of loss, resilience and community, all whilst pushing the boundaries of the crime thriller genre.”