Kelly Reilly, the electrifying force behind Yellowstone’s formidable Beth Dutton, is set to captivate audiences once again as she takes on a profoundly complex new role in the upcoming six-part crime thriller, Under Salt Marsh. Fans accustomed to her fiery, unwavering portrayal of the Dutton family’s strategic and often ruthless daughter will find Reilly stepping into a dramatically different, yet equally compelling, character as former detective Jackie Ellis. This highly anticipated series promises an atmospheric and deeply human exploration of guilt, resilience, and buried secrets, establishing itself as a potential standout of 2026.

Under Salt Marsh plunges viewers into the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, a community cloaked in secrets and fractured by grief. The narrative ignites with a chilling discovery made by Jackie Ellis, now a teacher, as a once-in-a-generation storm rages in from the sea. This shocking find reopens a three-year-old cold case – one that had not only cost Jackie her illustrious career but also shattered her family’s trust. The raw synopsis hints at a narrative rich with personal stakes, where the lines between professional duty and personal torment are irrevocably blurred. For Jackie, this isn’t just another investigation; it’s a confrontation with the very past that dismantled her life, now returning with an undeniable gravity that threatens to tear the fragile fabric of Morfa Halen apart.

Central to the unfolding mystery is the reluctant reunion of Jackie with her estranged police partner, Eric Bull, portrayed by the accomplished Rafe Spall. Their past dynamic, presumably scarred by the original cold case, will undoubtedly add layers of tension and unresolved history to the present investigation. This forced partnership suggests a compelling interplay of mistrust, professional obligation, and perhaps lingering personal feelings, all set against the backdrop of a community desperate to keep its darkest secrets hidden. The storm itself serves as more than just a meteorological event; it acts as a symbolic force, threatening to literally wash away crucial evidence, escalating the urgency and stakes of Jackie and Eric’s mission. The series promises a masterful blend of “atmospheric crime storytelling with a deeply human portrait of resilience and community,” indicating a narrative that prioritizes character-driven drama alongside its thrilling investigative elements.

For many, the primary draw will be Kelly Reilly’s commanding presence. Her portrayal of Beth Dutton in Yellowstone has solidified her status as one of television’s most dynamic and nuanced actresses. Beth is a character forged in fire, her sharp wit and fierce loyalty often masking profound vulnerability and trauma. Reilly imbues Beth with an intensity that is both terrifying and deeply empathetic, capable of delivering scathing retorts in one scene and heartbreaking vulnerability in the next. This incredible range, her ability to convey complex emotional landscapes with a single glance or a subtle inflection, makes her an ideal choice for Jackie Ellis.

Jackie, like Beth, is a woman haunted by her past, her life irrevocably altered by a catastrophic event. While Beth’s battle is largely against external forces threatening her family and land, Jackie’s fight appears to be an internal one, grappling with the ghosts of a failed career and fractured family ties, exacerbated by the resurfacing cold case. Fans of Yellowstone will recognize Reilly’s capacity to inhabit characters who are both formidable and deeply flawed, who carry their burdens with a blend of defiance and quiet despair. Her expertise in navigating morally ambiguous territory and portraying women who refuse to be defined solely by their suffering will undoubtedly bring immense depth to Jackie Ellis.

The prospect of seeing Reilly shed Beth Dutton’s signature cowboy hats and designer dresses for the more grounded reality of a former detective in a rain-swept Welsh town is incredibly exciting. While Beth operates with an almost unchecked power, Jackie Ellis will likely find herself in a position of vulnerability, fighting to reclaim her reputation and uncover truths that others wish to bury. This shift in power dynamics and setting will allow Reilly to explore new facets of her acting prowess, demonstrating that her captivating performances extend far beyond the rugged landscapes of Montana. Her ability to command a scene, to convey unspoken emotions, and to anchor a complex narrative will be crucial in bringing Jackie Ellis’s internal and external battles to life.

The creative vision for Under Salt Marsh is helmed by Claire Oakley, who not only created and wrote the series but also directs, promising a cohesive and singular artistic voice. Oakley’s previous work, such as Make Up, suggests an inclination towards psychological depth and atmospheric tension, elements that will undoubtedly enrich the Welsh-set crime drama. The series also boasts a stacked supporting cast, further elevating expectations for its quality. Jonathan Pryce, known for his iconic roles in The Crown and countless other productions, brings an unparalleled gravitas, while talents like Naomi Yang, Dinita Gohil, Brian Gleeson, Kimberley Nixon, and Harry Lawtey round out an ensemble poised to deliver powerful performances. This collective talent, guided by Oakley’s vision, is set to craft a world as intricate and layered as its central mystery.

Scheduled to launch on Sky and NOW in 2026, Under Salt Marsh is already positioning itself as a must-watch event. It promises to deliver not just a gripping crime narrative, but a profound exploration of personal and communal resilience in the face of devastating secrets. For those who have followed Kelly Reilly’s career, particularly her transformative work as Beth Dutton, this new series offers a compelling opportunity to witness her extraordinary talent in a fresh, yet equally intense, dramatic landscape. The anticipation builds for a show that could very well stand among the best contemporary crime thrillers, driven by a performance that reinforces Kelly Reilly’s undeniable status as a powerhouse performer.