The Bay newcomer Marsha Thomason wasn't fazed by replacing Morven Christie in the third season.
Cast as DS Jenn Townsend in ITV's crime drama, the actress has worked in the industry for over 25 years – boasting credits in Prime Suspect, Lost, The Good Doctor and Castlevania.
Ahead of The Bay's return tonight (January 12), she sat down for an exclusive chat with Digital Spy where we asked if she harboured any nerves over stepping into the lead role.
Related: The Bay director teases season 3 "reinvention" as new detective takes over
"I didn't, initially, no," she stated. "I didn't feel any of that actually, but then as my first day approached, really my feelings were more about the nerves of being in a new job in an established show, you know that kind of thing.
"I was definitely aware that those are big shoes to fill, [Morven] was so great as Lisa [Armstrong]. I was a bit like Jenn really, because it's like: 'New day, new job with these people who've all been working together for ages', but everybody was brilliant.
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"The cast reached out to me and we started a WhatsApp group, we did some Zooms, so I already felt a sense of connection with them when I arrived on the first day."
Related: ITV's The Bay announces major cast exit ahead of season 3 return
Further reflecting on her time on set, Thomason told DS: "My first day was with actors who were also new to the show, so we were all a little nervous – that's that first day energy. But no, I wasn't super stressed about stepping into the role."
She also waxed lyrical on The Bay itself, promising fans that the latest instalments are worth their time.
"I think it's fantastic, I think they did such a good job, it's such a strong series," she said.
"I am a fan of television, I love television and you know, obviously I've worked in TV a long time, but I'm not necessarily a fan of every single show I've ever been on, you know what I mean?
"You can work on a show and enjoy the work and all the rest of it, but it's not necessarily a show you would watch, whereas The Bay is my kind of show."
The Bay season 3 premieres on ITV tonight.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
Freelance film & TV writer, Digital Spy
Critic and writer Jo Berry has been writing about TV and movies since she began her career at Time Out aged 18. A regular on BBC Radio, Jo has written for titles including Empire, Maxim, Radio Times, OK!, The Guardian and Grazia, is the author of books including Chick Flicks and The Parents’ Guide to Kids’ Movies.
She is also the editor of website Movies4Kids. In her career, Jo has interviewed well-known names including Beyonce, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Kiefer Sutherland, Tom Cruise and all the Avengers, spent many an hour crushed in the press areas of award show red carpets. Jo is also a self-proclaimed expert on Outlander and Brassic, and completely agrees that Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
