The One That Got Away, a gripping six-part crime thriller filmed in Pembroke Dock featuring a stellar all-Welsh cast, is coming to BBC One Wales and BBC Four tonight.
The One That Got Away stars Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/ Hidden) as DI Ffion Lloyd, who teams up with her former lover, DS Rick Sheldon (Richard Harrington, Y Gwyll/Hinterland), to investigate the murder of a nurse in a Welsh seaside town. Written by Catherine Tregenna (Law & Order UK, Lewis, DCI Banks), and directed by Sion Ifan (Y Goleudy), this psychologically driven thriller delves deep, showcasing the complex relationship between Rick and Ffion as they confront both a killer and unresolved issues of their past.
The murder stirs up old wounds within the small community, casting doubt on a historic conviction and raising the chilling possibility of the return of a copycat killer. This series offers not just criminal suspense but also paints a poignant picture of love both old and new.
Actor Elen Rhys, who returned home to Wales for filming, expressed her deep appreciation for the project, stating, “Coming home to Wales to film was a joy—immersing myself in everything Welsh. The talented, close-knit crew worked together so well, making it a truly lovely and extraordinary experience. I felt so lucky.”
Rhys also praised the depth of the script, saying, “Catherine Tregenna’s writing blew me away. It’s not your typical crime drama; it goes much deep. I love the fact there are no heroes; the characters are complex, damaged, and human; everyone is as flawed as the next. It’s so true to life. To me, it’s drama about what it means to be human.”
Filmed on location across Pembroke Dock and south Wales, The One That Got Away features numerous standout performances: Rhian Blythe (Keeping Faith, Hidden) as Helen Sheldon, the wife of Rick; Sule Rimi (Day of the Jackal); and Ian Puleston-Davies (Coronation Street), among others. Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, stated, “The One That Got Away is a knotty, twisty-turny, edge-of-your-seat thriller interwoven with an electrifying love story, featuring a fantastic Welsh cast. BBC Cymru Wales is so pleased to be able to offer this excellent Cymru Noir to our audiences.”
He added, “You’ll be gripped and quivering all at once—nail-biting stuff.” Ben Bickerton, Executive Producer at Blacklight Television, echoed these sentiments: “We are delighted The One That Got Away has found its home on the BBC. It has been such a privilege to work here with the best writing, acting, and directing talent. The audience will be gripped not only by the high-stakes crime story but also by the complex love story at the heart of the show. Can detectives Ffion Lloyd and Rick Sheldon stop the killer before they strike again?”
The series has been produced by Blacklight and distributed by Banijay Rights, with support from the Welsh Government via Creative Wales. The first episode airs on BBC One Wales at 9:10 PM tonight (February 25), and all episodes will be available to view on BBC iPlayer.
The show depicts the discovery of the murdered nurse within local woodlands, drawing parallels with historic murders from years past—the chilling connections between these events threaten to unravel the quiet community. The nuanced writing and character development promise to provide edges of suspense alongside emotional depth.
Viewers can expect not only the thrill of unraveling the murder mystery but also the richly layered dynamics between the characters, exploring their imperfections and relational tensions. Tregenna crafted the narrative to avoid conventional clichés found commonly within the genre, opting for realistic character portrayals instead.
Reflecting on the filming experience, Tregenna described the Welsh landscapes as beautiful yet bleak—an artistic choice emphasizing the essence of the crime and the lives intertwined with it. She remarked, “Artists are drawn there from all over the world,” appreciating how the artistic direction has successfully captured the location's authenticity.
The emotional intricacies of DI Ffion Lloyd and DS Rick Sheldon’s shared history are palpably felt throughout the script—adding layers of complexity as they try to reconnect amid the chaos unleashed by the present murder. Viewers are treated to interactions marked by both professional commitment and unresolved romantic tension.
So tune in! The One That Got Away aims to keep audiences suspenseful but also deeply engaged with its characters. With compelling storytelling and strong performances, this series marks another important chapter for Welsh crime drama on the international stage.