The Bay: Why is Morven Christie leaving as Lisa Armstrong and who is replacing her in series 3?

With series two of The Bay drawing to an end, plenty of viewers fixated by the riveting crime drama will be wondering when it will be returning.

Earlier this month, it was announced that The Bay had been commissioned for a third series, with the West Lancashire Police Service tasked with solving a new currently unknown case.

However, star Morven Christie will not be returning as Lisa Armstrong, with Marsha Thomason taking over as the new lead, DS Jenn Townsend.

So why is Morven leaving the programme?

Why is Morven Christie leaving The Bay?

When ITV announced that The Bay would be returning, all that was said about Morven’s departure was that it was her decision.

During a recent conversation with Metro.co.uk, the programme’s creator Daragh Carville reiterated this fact.

While he refrained from speculating about why Morven decided to leave, he added that she ‘made a huge contribution to the success of the show’.

‘She’s absolutely at the heart of what it is and she’s been amazing,’ he said.

‘I’ve loved writing for her and I’ve loved the character of Lisa. So I’m really sad to see her go. Morven’s going to go on to conquer the world and do fantastic things because she’s brilliant, but I’m really excited to be writing for the new character, for Marsha.’

Following the series two finale of The Bay, Morven shared a post on social media paying homage to the show and her character, writing in the caption: ‘Bye Lisa. You were a gift.’

‘Thank you Daragh Carville, thank you beloved @leehavenjones for bringing me in, and biggest love EVER to the crew the crew the crew who had my back and have my heart,’ she said.

What has the new lead Marsha Thomason starred in?

Marsha, who will portray a new FLO (family liaison officer) when series three of The Bay comes out, has previously starred in other TV shows including Cobra, The Good Doctor, Lost and White Collar.

The actor expressed her excitement about being cast in The Bay on social media, writing: ‘So excited to be joining the brilliant cast of #TheBay on @itv. Can’t wait for you all to meet Morecambe CID’s new Family Liaison Officer DS Jenn Townsend.’

Daniel Ryan will be returning to The Bay as police boss Tony Manning, with several other cast members set to reprise their roles.

The Bay is available to watch on ITV Player.

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