Morven Christie to star in The Bay

Morven Christie has been cast in the leading role in upcoming drama \'The Bay\'.

The 36-year-old star will play fierce and hardworking family liaison officer Detective Sergeant Lisa Armstrong in the new six-part ITV series, penned by writer and playwright Daragh Carville.

She said: "Lisa is such a refreshingly real character - brilliant and flawed, trying to make everything work, and often failing. I adore her.

"And I loved Daragh\'s scripts, rooted in the families and community of this distinctive town. I can\'t wait to get stuck in with Lee and the team, and this fantastic cast he has put together.

"I hope we\'re going to make something that feels raw and real, as well as being a hugely compelling story."

The series will also feature a talented supporting cast, which will include Chanel Cresswell, Jonas Armstrong, Tracie Bennett, Louis Greatorex, Lindsey Coulson, Taheen Modak, Adam Long and Daniel Ryan.

Speaking about the leading lady, executive producer Catherine Oldfield said: "We are so thrilled to have the hugely talented Morven Christie to lead the cast as DS Lisa Armstrong. Daragh\'s wonderful writing and Lee\'s brilliant vision for the show have drawn this amazing cast to The Bay and we can\'t wait to see them bring the scripts to life for ITV."

The crime drama will be set in Morecambe, with filming set to start on location in the seaside town, and Manchester, in August.

Writer Daragh has thrown his support behind the cast, adding that he\'s excited to welcome them all into the world he\'s created.

He said: "I\'m beyond proud that this brilliant cast is coming on board to tell the story of \'The Bay\'. I can\'t wait to welcome them to Morecambe."

Polly Hill, head of drama, has praised the "impressive ensemble" cast put together to tell a "very real" story focused on "family and community".

She added: "It\'s always a challenge to find a fresh take on crime, but Daragh Carville has written a very real crime story about family and community, which is distinctive, compelling and beautifully crafted.

"I\'m delighted Morven Christie has agreed to play DS Lisa Armstrong alongside a very impressive ensemble cast."