Marsha Thomason, best known for her role as Detective Sergeant Jenn Townsend on ITV's hit crime drama The Bay, has recently opened up about the emotional rollercoaster she experienced filming one of the key scenes for the show's fifth season. The Lancashire-based series returned to our screens on March 2, 2025, after nearly two years away, bringing back its unique blend of suspense and heartfelt storytelling.
This season, Thomason's character investigates the tragic death of 23-year-old university student Hannah, whose death forces Jenn to navigate her own grief. The actress revealed there was one scene, involving Jenn delivering devastating news to Hannah's mother Julie, played by Leanne Best, which deeply moved her during filming. "I love playing Jenn and she's a lot to sink my teeth to. I'm really grateful for it," Thomason shared with Radio Times.
During rehearsals of the poignant scene where Jenn has to inform Julie of her daughter’s death, Thomason found herself unable to contain her emotions. "I couldn’t hold it together. I was just bawling my eyes out," she admitted. The emotional weight of the scene was intensified by Best’s powerful portrayal, leaving Thomason feeling completely drained yet privileged to express such raw emotions on screen. "I could not be a family liaison officer. It was so incredibly moving, she just was right there and every take. That was just the rehearsal… just incredible," Thomason said.
Thomason isn't the only one singing praise for Best. Writer Daragh Carville emphasized the significance of the portrayal, explaining how the characters’ experiences reflect real-life horrors many people encounter. "We’re exploring the impact of loss, the impact of grief, but I hope it’s not just unremittingly grim, because it’s also about finding a way through grief and coming out the other end," Carville elaborated.
The season opener has been met with enthusiasm from fans, with many flocking to social media to share their thoughts on the gripping premiere. Viewers lauded the storytelling and nuanced character development, with one commenting, "Excellent start! It'll be flaming well over before we know with three episodes each over two weeks." With the emotional stakes impossibly high, the show is set to explore hidden friendships and complex relationships intertwined with dark secrets within the student community.
Other cast members joining Thomason this season include Olwen May as DC Louise 'Lou' McClaren and returning faces like Daniel Ryan, Erin Shanagher, Andrew Dowbiggin, and Barry Sloane. Each character contributes to the fabric of the series, with their individual paths crossing as they probe the mystery surrounding Hannah’s death.
Back to Jenn Townsend, the character's personal challenges run parallel with her professional duties, as she returns to her role after losing her own father. Amidst utter chaos, Jenn finds herself pushed to reconcile her grief with her responsibility to help the devastated family of Hannah, adding another layer of complexity to her character's emotional state.
Audiences are invested not just in the case at hand, but also in how Jenn’s struggles resonate with contemporary issues of loss and mourning. Fans of The Bay can expect not just thrilling crime drama but also heartfelt narratives exploring personal redemption and the power of community.
With its captivating characters and poignant storylines, The Bay continues to solidify its position as one of the UK's esteemed crime dramas, blending suspense with emotional depth. The new season promises to deliver not only another murder mystery to solve but also insightful reflections on how individuals cope with unimaginable loss, as evident from Thomason's tearful rehearsals.