The third season marked Marsha Thomason's debut as the new star of the drama series, taking on the role of incoming family liaison officer DS Jenn Townsend, who inherits the troubled patch previously overseen by DS Lisa Armstrong (Morven Christie), who led the cast of previous seasons.
Now, Thomason is set to investigate a deeply troubling arson attack that leaves a grieving family in its wake. As they face this devastating loss, Jenn not only has to gain their trust but also help Manning and the rest of the MIU uncover exactly what's happened.
We already know that this season is set to bring a "very different" Jenn as she's faced with infuriating circ*mstances, but we also know that the family liaison officer is bringing a much more "settled" energy to the new season.
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Thomason has said of her character going into season 4: "She was having a crisis of confidence last season and she’s much more in her comfort zone in her work this year."
With many of the same beloved characters returning for the new season of the coastal crime drama, what else can we expect from The Bay season 4? Read on for everything you need to know.
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The Bay season 4 release date
The Bay season 4 premieres on Wednesday 8th March on ITV1 at 9pm, with the whole season then available to stream on ITVX after the first episode airs.
Episodes will continue airing weekly on ITV1 every Wednesday at 9pm.
What is The Bay season 4 about?
Once again, Jenn and Morecambe’s MIU team will be tasked with investigating another grisly case. This time round, the team are called to a late night crime scene that unfolds into tragedy.
It's an arson attack that seems targeted and Jenn soon realises that the shattered Metcalf family will need every kind of support available. Grieving husband Dean is numb from shock and completely unprepared for caring for his four children — but soon, Jenn, Manning and the rest of the team dig deeper into the case, discovering secrets and lies that surround this family.
We always hoped that the crime drama would be returning for another instalment and this season sure sounds like a rollercoaster of emotions.
Before the fourth season had been announced, co-creator and co-writer Daragh Carville previously told RadioTimes.com and other press: "We would love to come back. The show is always conceived of as a returning show.
"You can probably tell from the way we’re speaking about it, we’re all really committed to these characters and the world of the show. So certainly, we’d love to come back but as ever, it’s in the hands of the audience so let’s see how they respond."
The Bay season 4 cast
Marsha Thomason obviously returns as DS Jenn Townsend, a family liaison officer, alongside her MIU team that consists of Daniel Ryan (Innocent, Home Fires), Erin Shanagher (Viewpoint, Peaky Blinders), Thomas Law (The World's End, A Cinderella Story) and Andrew Dowbiggin (COBRA, Coronation Street).
The full list of main cast members for The Bay season 4 are as follows:
- Marsha Thomason as DS Jenn Townsend
- Daniel Ryan as DI Anthony ‘Tony’ Manning
- Erin Shanagher as DS Karen Hobson
- Andrew Dowbiggin as DS James ‘Clarkie’ Clarke
- Thomas Law as DC Eddie Martin
- Barry Sloane as Chris Fischer
- Georgia Scholes as Erin Fischer
- David Carpenter as Conor Townsend
- Emme Hayes as Maddie Townsend
- Joe Armstrong as Dean Metcalf
- Victoria Elliot as Beth Metcalf
- Tom Taylor as Matt Metcalf
- Eloise Thomas as Izzy Metcalf
- Will Oldfield as Jonas Metcalf
- Ella Smith as Amy Metcalf
- Karl Davies as Carl McGregor
- Ian Puleston-Davies as Terry McGregor
- Claire Goose as Jacqui Fischer
- Arthur Kay as Lewis Walsh
- Kerrie Taylor as Ellen Manning
- Christopher Coghill as Alex Kirby
Is there a trailer for The Bay season 4?
There's no trailer yet for The Bay season 4, but perhaps a re-watch of the season 3 trailer will give you a reminder of the tense drama to come? Watch it below.
The Bay season 4 premieres on Wednesday 8th March at 9pm on ITV1, with the rest of the season then available to stream on ITVX. The Bay seasons 1-3 are available to watch on ITVX and BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here.
For more to watch, visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
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