ITV's hit crime drama The Bay is set to return for its fifth series, bringing back familiar faces and introducing new characters to the Morecambe police team.
Andrew Dowbiggin reprises his role as DS James 'Clarkie' Clarke, whose character development continues to evolve in the upcoming season.
DS Clarke showed a softer side in series four when viewers met his family, but his core personality remains unchanged.
"He's not changed though, he is who he is and he makes no apologies for that," Dowbiggin explained.
Dowbiggin explained Clarkie will take a larger role in the new investigation
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The new series will task Clarke with a more prominent role in the investigation in a case where his character's dedication to police work will be .
"You generally just see him as this guy who's a bit mouthy but underneath it all, he's a committed police officer and loyal to the cause," Dowbiggin detailed.
"Clarkie really picks up the ball and runs with it, he wants to solve this."
While fans will be eager to see a new side to Clarkie, Downbiggin warned the upcoming series will feel very different.
Dowbiggin revealed the next series will deal with a "divided family aspect"
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"This series feels slightly different due to the divided family aspect of it which adds a layer of difficulty for the police team as a whole," he revealed.
Clarkie's Morecambe branch has faced a "barrage" of budget cuts as well as a new "environmental" element to the programme.
"We also have an environmental aspect of the show which becomes more evident as the series goes on," Downbiggin explained.
"It’s really interesting and feels like perhaps more of a melting pot than in previous series," he said.
Olwen May is joining the cast as Louise 'Lou' McClaren
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Joining that melting pot is a new face, Olwen May, 62, who will be joining the cast as Louise ‘Lou’ McClaren as the department's new tech whiz.
"It’s quietly radical to have an older woman who is also the tech queen in the office," May explained.
However, her appearance in the office has a tendency to rub some, like Clarkie, the wrong way.
Downbiggin on the other hand felt much different as he praised May as: "Funny, she's vibrant, she's interesting. As a character, she brings this efficient knowledgeable, almost sardonic."
"She’s a bit of a foil for him. They've got a good relationship, and I hope that comes across on screen. We built up a really good bond and she was fab to have around," he concluded.
