As DS Bull’s second-in-command, DC Jess Deng is ambitious and enthusiastic to take on the case of Cefin Hill’s death.

Keen to impress her boss, Deng finds herself somewhat out of place when Bull reconnects with his former partner, Jackie Ellis, as they arrive in Morfa Halen to start their investigation, and is wary of how much of an influence she has on him.

But above all, Deng is someone whose moral compass points north – and wants to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of this case.

Speaking ahead of the new series, Naomi Yeng discusses her thoughts on the message of the story, building on Deng’s backstory, and teaming up with Rafe Spall and Kelly Reilly.

It’s a crime drama set in a small coastal town in Wales. A murder occurs just as a once-in-a-generation storm hits, threatening to wash away all the evidence. There’s a real-time pressure to solve the case.

Absolutely. One of the most important aspects is community—how people come together in the face of disaster or tragedy. Morfa Halen, where it’s set, is such a close-knit town, and the show explores how differences can be embraced and how unity brings strength.

I was struck by how specific and evocative the writing was. Claire captures the essence of a Welsh coastal town — the sea, the mountains, the atmosphere. It’s all there in the script, and it was a joy to read.

Jess is a recently promoted detective and is ambitious and determined. She’s new to Morfa Halen and feels like an outsider. She wants to prove herself — not just to her colleague Bull, but also to her family, who don’t support her career in the police. She quickly learns that solving the case in such a tight-knit community requires adapting her methods and challenging her own beliefs.

She’s a watcher — very observant. She picks up on the tension between Bull and Jackie and senses that their relationship is affecting the case. Deng has a strong moral compass, and when things don’t sit right with her, she’s not afraid to speak up.

Deng trained with Bull before, but this is their first case together, and she feels like she has a lot to prove having just been promoted to Detective. She respects him but is also intimidated by his reputation. Their relationship is tested when Jackie becomes more involved in the case, which Deng doesn’t agree with. She believes it compromises the investigation.

When Deng realises that Jackie’s getting more and more involved and that Bull is letting his feelings come between him and the case, Deng takes it upon herself to investigate on her own. She builds a relationship with August, someone she suspects, and he ends up helping her uncover key parts of the case. It’s not how she wanted to work, but she feels she has no choice.

Rafe is incredibly experienced and generous as a scene partner. Most of my scenes are with him, and I’ve learned so much from working alongside him. We had rehearsals before filming, which helped us develop the characters’ dynamic organically.

Claire was incredibly generous with her time. We discussed Deng’s journey in depth, especially her backstory and motivations. Claire’s calm, clear vision made her a fantastic director to work with.

Yes, we talked about how Deng’s family doesn’t support her career, which fuels her need to prove herself. She believes in honesty and truth, sometimes in a black-and-white way, and her journey is about learning to navigate the grey areas.

It’s essential. The more you understand your character’s journey, the more you have to work with. I try to build that foundation before filming starts.

Yes! They’re where salt and fresh water meet and are vital ecosystems that store carbon at ten times the rate of forests. They’re crucial for biodiversity and climate resilience, but they’re disappearing due to climate change and development.

Filming at Solomon’s Farm with hundreds of sheep in constantly changing weather — snow, sun, rain — was unforgettable. It reminded us how much the environment is part of the show.

The environmental aspect. The storm isn’t just a backdrop - it’s central to the story. It’s about the fragility of a coastal community facing rising sea levels and the very real threat of losing not just evidence, but homes and history. That sense of urgency forces people to confront secrets and come together in the face of disaster. It’s a story of resilience, how a community fights to hold on to what matters. Plus, it’s set in a very specific, real-feeling Welsh town, which adds authenticity.

The tension. The storm and the case build together, leading to a dramatic climax. It’s gripping.