Stellar cast joins Broadchurch

ITV, Kudos and Imaginary Friends have confirmed more cast announcements for the second series of Broadchurch, including, Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Without A Trace, Secrets and Lies), James D’Arcy (Cloud Atlas, Mansfield Park), Eve Myles (Torchwood, Frankie) and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (The Iron Lady, The Cafe).

An acclaimed RADA trained actress, Marianne will play a leading role in the new series.

“We’re over the moon to have wooed Marianne back from Los Angeles to join us in Broadchurch,” said creator and writer Chris Chibnall.

“Marianne is one of Britain’s finest actresses, so it’s an honour and a coup for us. It’s a role written specifically for her and I would’ve wept for months if she’d turned us down. Luckily she didn’t and her character is going to make an indelible impact on the world of Broadchurch.”

Details of the characters remain underwraps, however, acclaimed film and television actor James D’Arcy and Eve Myles are described as playing a ‘key role’ and ‘central role’ respectively. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who recently wrote and performed in the Olivier nominated and 2014 Critic’s Circle Award winning show, Fleabag completes the latest cast announcements.

Jane Featherstone, Chief Executive of Kudos and Broadchurch Executive Producer said: “James’ extraordinary recent work in movies such as Cloud Atlas and opposite Anthony Hopkins in Hitchcock makes him another thrilling and important addition to the Broadchurch cast.”

Adding, “It’s never easy to tempt actors back from Hollywood, and we feel privileged that James is joining us as a key part of our new story.”

Chris Chibnall “As if we didn’t have enough fabulous actresses, it’s a thrill to be joined by Wales’ finest, Eve Myles. Having worked together on Torchwood, it’s a joy to be able to welcome her to Broadchurch. And anyone who’s seen Phoebe Waller-Bridge perform knows she’s already on the way to being a superstar. We’re lucky to have them both on board.

The new additions join series one stars, David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan and Arthur Darvill who will be reprising their roles, alongside recently announced addition Charlotte Rampling, as the drama continues to intrigue. 

TV’s Director of Drama Steve November said: “We’re delighted with the stellar cast assembled for the new series of Broadchurch. There’s a real sense of heightened anticipation about what’s to come, although we’re desperate to protect the secrets of Broadchurch to avoid spoiling what happens next for the viewers,” he added.

“We’re finally able to talk a little about preparations for the next series of Broadchurch and confirm we’re coming back to film around West Bay and Clevedon,” said Chris.

“We’re all thrilled about returning, especially given how supportive the whole community was last time. And if the community are able to keep our secrets as well as they did last time, we’ll be ever so grateful.” 

Broadchurch series 2 will begins late May in Dorset and North Somerset locations.