Under Salt Marsh Star Details Decision Behind Detective's Birmingham Accent
The Sky Atlantic drama Under Salt Marsh, featuring Yellowstone star Kelly Reilly, has captivated millions of viewers since its premiere in late January. This six-part series, set in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, follows ex-detective Jackie Ellis, played by Reilly, as she confronts her past when a pupil's body is discovered.
A Compelling Narrative with Stellar Cast
Joining Reilly is actor Rafe Spall, who portrays Detective Eric Bull, Jackie's former partner summoned back to Morfa Halen to lead the murder investigation. The plot revolves around Jackie and Eric racing against time to uncover secrets, convinced that this case is linked to the unsolved disappearance of Jackie's niece, which previously ended her career.
However, fans have been particularly vocal about Spall's portrayal, specifically his use of a Birmingham accent for the character. This choice has sparked mixed reactions among viewers, prompting curiosity about the reasoning behind it.
Rafe Spall's Accent Decision Explained
In a recent interview with RadioTimes, Spall elaborated on his decision to give Detective Eric Bull a West Midlands accent. He stated, "I had free rein to decide where he was from because he needed to be not from there, not Welsh, so I decided to go West Midlands."
Spall further explained that his partner, actress Esther Smith from Stourbridge, influenced this choice. He noted, "My partner Esther Smith is from Stourbridge, and I like the idea of the Black Country. It's geographically close to North Wales, and you don't hear the accent much on television." This decision adds a unique layer to the character, distinguishing him from the Welsh setting and highlighting regional diversity rarely featured on screen.
Challenging Filming Conditions and Record Viewership
Discussing the production, Spall described the filming process as one of the most demanding shoots of his career. The series centers on a powerful storm threatening to destroy evidence, requiring actors to work under rain machines from November through March in locations across north Wales and Cardiff. Spall remarked, "It meant being under rain machines from November through to March in north Wales and Cardiff – and that's physically quite demanding."
Despite these challenges, Under Salt Marsh has achieved remarkable success. Sky recently announced that the opening episode attracted 1.8 million viewers within its first seven days, making it the network's strongest original drama launch since The Day of the Jackal. The series is set to conclude dramatically on February 27, following this exceptionally strong debut.
Availability and Cultural Impact
Under Salt Marsh is available for streaming on Sky Atlantic and NOW, offering audiences a gripping blend of mystery and regional authenticity. Spall's accent choice not only enriches his character but also sparks conversations about representation and the creative decisions behind television productions.
