From Ranch Wars to Welsh Waves
Kelly Reilly, the tough-talking Beth Dutton from Yellowstone, is swapping cowboy boots for rainy coasts in her latest gig. Sky just dropped the first look at Under Salt Marsh, a six-part crime drama that’s got everyone chatting. Set to hit screens in 2026, the show stars Reilly as Jackie Ellis, a former cop turned teacher living in the made-up Welsh town of Morfa Halen. This spot sits between big mountains and a sea that’s always closing in, adding a spooky feel to the whole story. Fans are buzzing because Reilly looks totally different here, far from the sharp-suited ranch boss we know. It’s her first big role since wrapping Yellowstone last year, and it shows she’s ready to dive into something fresh and gritty.
A Shocking Find That Digs Up Old Pain
The plot kicks off with a bang as a massive storm brews out at sea. Jackie stumbles on the body of her eight-year-old student, Cefin, which cracks open a three-year-old cold case. This mess is what wrecked her job and split her family apart before. Now, she’s got no choice but to team up with her old partner, Eric Bull, played by Rafe Spall from Trying. Their reunion is tense, full of old grudges and fresh scares, as they poke into secrets that could tear the tight-knit town to pieces. It’s not just about whodunit; it’s got heart, showing how folks bounce back and stick together when things get rough. Claire Oakley, who made the praised flick Make Up, wrote and directed most of it, promising a mix of edge-of-your-seat thrills and real feels.
First Pics That Scream Mystery and Grit
Those first-look shots are pure drama. One catches Reilly soaked to the bone, flashlight in hand, hunting clues in the wild under pounding rain. It screams lone wolf on a mission, her face all focus and hurt. Another shows her and Spall side by side on the rugged Welsh shore, looking like they can’t stand each other but have to push on. The scenery pops too, with gray skies and crashing waves that make you feel the chill. These images nail the vibe: a small town hiding big lies, where the land itself seems against you. No wonder folks are calling it unmissable already.
A Cast Packed with Heavy Hitters
Reilly isn’t flying solo here. Spall brings his everyman charm to Eric, the cop who’s all business but cracking inside. Then there’s Jonathan Pryce from The Crown and Slow Horses as a town bigwig, adding that wise, shady edge. Harry Lawtey from Industry jumps in as a local with ties to the case, and the rest of the crew includes Naomi Yang from Chimerica, Dinita Gohil from Treason, Brian Gleeson from Bad Sisters, and Kimberley Nixon from Queenie. It’s a mix of fresh faces and pros that promises sparks. Reilly even chipped in as an executive producer, so you know she’s all in on making this shine.
Here’s a quick rundown on the main players and what they bring:
| Actor | Role | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Kelly Reilly | Jackie Ellis | Yellowstone, Pride & Prejudice |
| Rafe Spall | Eric Bull | Trying, Life of Pi |
| Jonathan Pryce | Town Leader | The Crown, Slow Horses |
| Harry Lawtey | Local Suspect | Industry |
This lineup sets up some real fireworks in the story.
Behind the Scenes: A Welsh Gem in the Making
Oakley teamed up with writers Jonathan Harbottle for episodes three and five, and Nikita Lalwani for four. Mary Nighy directed the middle chunks, keeping the pace tight. Producers Scott Bassett and Emma Duffy handled the nuts and bolts, with execs like Elwen Rowlands from Little Door and Megan Spanjian from Sky Studios backing it all. Shot right in Wales, the show leans hard into the area’s raw beauty and tough weather to amp up the mood. Oakley called it a tale of loss and grit, with Jackie as this wild, caring force of nature. It’s got that universal pull, no matter where you’re from.
Why This Drama’s Got Buzz Heading into 2026
Under Salt Marsh feels like the perfect follow-up for Reilly fans craving more of her fire, but in a whole new light. After owning the Dutton ranch feuds, seeing her tackle a stormy seaside mystery is a treat. With its blend of chills, heart, and top-notch acting, it’s primed to hook binge-watchers. As Yellowstone wraps and spin-offs loom, this shows Reilly’s range is wide open. Mark your calendars for next year on Sky and NOW, because this one’s got the goods to stick with you long after the credits roll. If the first looks are this gripping, the full ride’s gonna be wild.