Shell Hill had everything she wanted in life – a wife and mother to three children, she has lived her life in the small town of Morfa Halen happily and without consequence.

The daughter of community leader Solomon, whom she idolises, Shell (real name Cheryl), may come across as mousy, but she follows her dad when it comes to assertiveness, not taking fools gladly and fiercely loyal to her friends.

However, her life changes forever when her youngest son Cefin is found dead in a ditch – and now she wants answers and for those responsible to suffer for what they’ve done.

Speaking ahead of the series, Kimberley Nixon talks about why she took on the role, what it was like working with Jonathan Pryce (who plays her father), and why the show’s Welsh roots are so important in bringing this story to life.

I play Shell Hill. Shell is part of the Bevan family by birth, but she’s married into the Hill family — so she straddles two worlds in the community of Morfa Halen.

It’s hard not to give too much away! But I’d say it’s a dark, intense crime drama set in a small North Walian seaside town and it’s where human nature collides with Mother Nature. There’s a storm, there’s grief, there’s mystery — and at the heart of it all is a community trying to hold itself together.

Claire’s writing is raw and vulnerable. It explores the darkest corners of human nature, but with such sensitivity. As an actor, that’s a gift. You’re not just playing emotions — you’re uncovering layers of humanity, pain, and resilience. Her characters are complex, flawed, and deeply real.

Absolutely. Despite everything thrown at the town — storms, tragedy — there’s this sense of community that endures. Even when hope seems lost, people still show compassion. Toward the end of the series, there are scenes where the community, though battered, is still standing. That resilience is really powerful.

Shell is a Bevan by blood, married to Danny Hill, an outsider from England. Her family — especially her brothers — often try to keep Danny at arm’s length.

Shell might seem quiet or mousy, but she’s fiercely protective of her family. She’s deeply rooted in Morfa Halen, knows everyone, and is a vital part of the community. Her strength lies in her quiet resolve — she listens, she observes, and when she speaks, it matters.

I loved the idea that someone can appear one way but be something entirely different underneath. Shell isn’t loud or dominant, especially in a family full of strong male voices, but her strength is undeniable.

She’s made mistakes, she’s had complicated relationships, but her love for her family is unwavering. That complexity — being quiet yet powerful — was something I really wanted to explore

Solomon Bevan, Shell’s father, is the patriarch. He’s the apex of the family and the community. People look to the Bevans for leadership, especially during crises. But as secrets unravel, we see Solomon not just as a leader but as a flawed human being. For Shell, it’s a painful journey — realising that even your heroes can disappoint you.

We don’t see much of Shell before the death of her son, Cefin, so the series really follows her journey through grief. It’s not just sadness — it’s denial, anger, resentment, fear. She tries to stay strong for her surviving children and her husband, but there are moments where it all erupts. Claire’s writing allowed us to explore grief in all its shades, and working with Mark Stanley (Danny) helped bring that to life.

Claire had an incredible depth of knowledge about every character. She knew their backstories, their motivations, their emotional arcs. But she was also open to collaboration. Working with Mark and the rest of the cast, we brought our own nuances to the roles. Claire welcomed that, which made the process feel organic and alive.

It was a dream. Jonathan Pryce plays my dad — no introduction needed. He’s a Welsh icon, and also just a dry, funny, brilliant man. Kelly is extraordinary — so present, so generous. Rafe brings a grounded energy and was a real leader on set, keeping spirits high despite the cold and the dark. And Mark Stanley, who plays my husband, is my partner in crime — we laugh a lot between takes, which is so needed when you’re filming such emotionally heavy scenes.

Morfa Halen means “salt marsh” in Welsh. It’s a small, tight-knit seaside town in North Wales. In places like that, your neighbours are your lifeline. When tragedy strikes, it’s not just personal — it’s communal. The pain is amplified because everyone knows everyone. That intimacy makes the story even more powerful.

We filmed all over Wales — South and North. The Hill House set was beautifully detailed, with family photos and knickknacks that made it feel real. But the most unforgettable scene was on the marshes in North Wales, in the middle of the night, holding Cefin’s body. It was cold, wet, and emotionally raw. The crew gave us space, and it felt like we were truly alone in that moment.

It means everything. I live in Wales, and filming here allows me to go home to my own family at the end of the day, which is rare. Welsh crews have a special magic. There’s camaraderie, support, and a kind of unspoken understanding. It’s like having a backbone of home behind you.

It’s Welsh! That’s a huge part of its uniqueness. The North Walian accent, the subtle use of Welsh language — it’s not performative, it’s just real. It reflects how people actually live and speak. And the way the Bevans use Welsh to their advantage adds even more to the plot.

Intense. Elemental. Heartbreaking.