ITV has confirmed the return of an 'outstanding' detective series that fans say is the 'best drama in years'18:04, 21 May 2026Detective drama fans will be delighted to learn of the return of an 'outstanding' ITV series.‌ITV has revealed that filming has started on the latest series of popular drama, The Bay, with season six getting underway.‌The sixth season will see Marsha Thomason as Morecambe MIU’s Family Liaison Officer, DS Jenn Townsend, while cast regulars Daniel Ryan, Andrew Dowbiggin and Olwen May will also return.‌Meanwhile, Suzanne Packer returns as Jenn’s mum, Anne Townsend, alongside Tara Lynne O’Neill as Sinead, DI Tony Manning’s partner, and Jacob Butler as Kieran, Manning’s son.Viewers can also expect newcomers as Mr Bates vs the Post Office star Claire Calbraith and Dept. Q star Alec Newman will be joining the series as Rebecca and Joe Hollis, Logan's foster parents.‌A synopsis teases: "Morecambe's Major Investigation Unit is back to investigate the murder of teenage foster child, Logan Marsden. As the case unfolds, divisions in the local community add further strain to the case, and suspicion shifts from people closest to him to figures linked to a criminal operation in the area - revealing hidden dangers and unexpected connections."Away from the case, Jenn and Manning are dealing with personal challenges at home, testing their resilience and professionalism as they fight to get answers for Logan and his family."Catherine Oldfield, Creative Director of Tall Story Pictures and Executive Producer of The Bay, said of the news: "When we first set out to tell our story of a Family Liaison Officer in Morecambe, we never could have imagined we’d get to a sixth series.‌"But it is an absolute treat to give the fans another series of DS Jenn Townsend and the team for another enthralling and emotional story. Tall Story are delighted to be back on the Morecambe beat."While Daragh Carville, writer and executive producer, added: "It's an honour and a pleasure to return to Morecambe for series 6 of The Bay.‌"Once again the indomitable Marsha Thomason will lead the team alongside the mighty Daniel Ryan, and together with a brilliant guest cast they'll be delving into a compelling new story, a murder mystery that begins with a shocking discovery in a fairground on the prom."The Bay is a huge success amongst fans with series five one of ITV's top dramas in 2025. Many fans have called it an 'outstanding' drama and the 'best tv drama in years'.One person said: "Wow best tv drama in years", adding: "Outstanding acting outstanding production And well written. The best I have seen in years well done hope you get some awards as it sure does deserve them."‌Another viewer wrote: "Amazing story lines...Amazing casting...Amazing actors...Amazing place....what more can I say...was hooked from the beginning...completely compulsive viewing...binge a lot of the series...and was not disappointed...every story line was seamless...engaging and never once did I manage to second guess the ending...."That takes skill and understanding of the storytelling / viewer expectations and the end game...never had such great viewer experience in what most look at as a small town production...completely professional work...I was actually up on holiday twice in Morecambe whilst filming was taking place...great to see...such great work in action."Article continues belowElsewhere, another show watcher commented: "I thought this series was really entertaining, so I would highly recommend that you watch it."The Bay series one to five is available to watch on ITVX now.