Eve Myles, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James D’Arcy and Phoebe Waller-Bridge have joined the cast of Broadchurch for the crime drama’s second series.

Creator Chris Chibnall said: “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.”

Discussing the casting of Secrets & Lies actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste, he added: “We’re over the moon to have wooed Marianne back from Los Angeles to join us in Broadchurch. 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.”

Executive producer Jane Featherstone revealed that James D’Arcy (Cloud Atlas) will be playing “a key part of our new story.”

Chibnall has confirmed that Series 2 will return to the Dorset and North Somerset locations used in the first series.

The writer commented: “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. 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.”

ITV’s Director of Drama Steve November added: “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.”

ITV has announced that Series 1’s stars David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan and Arthur Darvill will all be back for the second series.

Charlotte Rampling has also joined the cast, playing “a pivotal role”.

Series 2 begins filming soon.

Are you looking forward to Series 2? Let us know below…