Rafe Spall Transforms for Gritty Welsh Crime Thriller ‘Under Salt Marsh’
LONDON, 31 January 2026 – Actor Rafe Spall has undergone a dramatic physical transformation to play a troubled detective in the highly anticipated Sky Atlantic crime drama Under Salt Marsh, which launches this week. The six-part series, also starring Kelly Reilly and Sir Jonathan Pryce, is set in a fictional Welsh coastal town where a child’s death forces old secrets to the surface.
A Detective Haunted by the Past
Spall plays Detective Eric Bull, a former police officer who left the force under a cloud and now works as a teacher. He is summoned back to the fictional town of Morfa Halen when a young boy named Cefin is found dead. The case reunites him with his ex-partner, Jackie Ellis (Kelly Reilly), and forces him to confront a community – and a past failure – he had tried to escape. To embody the world-weary, physically imposing Bull, Spall reportedly gained over four stone (25kg) for the role, a commitment that has drawn significant attention ahead of the series premiere.
Key Facts: Under Salt Marsh
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Under Salt Marsh |
| Network | Sky Atlantic (Sky Original) |
| Episodes | Six-part series |
| Main Cast | Kelly Reilly, Rafe Spall, Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Yang |
| Setting | Fictional Welsh coastal town of Morfa Halen |
| Filming Location | Shot entirely in Wales (Gwynedd & Anglesey) in 2025 |
| Launch Date | 30 January 2026 |
Critical Acclaim and Welsh Heart
Early reviews have praised the series for its psychological depth and gripping plot. The Guardian called it a “compelling, psychologically astute watch – which constantly pulls the rug out from under you.” The production is also notable for its authentic Welsh setting, filmed entirely on location with support from Creative Wales. For Sir Jonathan Pryce, a Welsh native, the shoot was an opportunity to return to the “land of my fathers.” The dramatic landscapes and harsh weather, recreated with wind and rain machines during filming, become a central character in the tense narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rafe Spall playing in Under Salt Marsh?
Rafe Spall plays Detective Eric Bull, a former detective who left the police force after a prior failure in Morfa Halen and now works as a teacher. He is forced back to lead the investigation into a boy’s death.
Is Morfa Halen a real place in Wales?
No, Morfa Halen is a fictional town created for the series. However, Under Salt Marsh was filmed on location across real areas in North Wales, including Gwynedd and Anglesey, to capture the authentic coastal atmosphere.
When can I watch Under Salt Marsh?
The six-part series launched on Sky Atlantic on 30 January 2026. All episodes are expected to be available on-demand via Sky and its streaming partners.
What other shows has the creator worked on?
Under Salt Marsh was created by Claire Oakley. The series is being marketed as a deeper, more psychologically complex entry in the crime thriller genre.