When the first episode of The Bay season two aired on ITV earlier this month, the audience was introduced to a mysterious character called Grace Marshbrook, played by Amy James-Kelly.
While viewers found themselves absorbed by the series – which sees police detective Lisa Armstrong (Morven Christie) investigate the shocking murder of Stephen Marshbrook (Stephen Tompkinson) – many were also left scratching their heads over where they had they had seen the actor who plays Grace before.
Several realised that Amy had played a prominent character in Coronation Street a few years back.
So what is the significance of Grace in The Bay and who did Amy play in the soap?
Who is Amy’s character Grace in The Bay?
In crime drama set in Morecambe Bay, Amy, 25, plays Grace, the daughter of Rose Marshbrook (Sharon Small) and Stephen, who is shot point blank in one of the opening scenes of the first episode.
When the police become involved in the investigation of Stephen’s murder, the family tell them that Grace is estranged and that no one knows where she is.
However, Rose later reveals that she actually does know her daughter’s location, with Lisa and Med tracking her down at the car scrapyard where she works.
While it appears Grace has an alibi, as she was working the day of her father’s murder, there is still something curious about her and the relationships she has with her family.
What has the actor starred in previously?
From 2013 to 2015, Amy portrayed the Maddie Heath in Coronation Street.
As fans of the soap will remember, Maddie was first introduced during the Christmas episode, becoming romantically involved with Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) after they meet at a soup kitchen.
On first impression, Sophie’s mother Sally (Sophie Dynevor, mother of Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor), strongly dislikes Maddie.
Two years later, Maddie is injured when she comes into close proximity with an explosion, dying a couple of days later.
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In addition to Coronation Street, Amy starred in the BBC’s Moving On, Netflix series Safe and Suranne Jones drama Gentleman Jack.
She also starred in the 2019 film Military Wives alongside Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan.
The Bay airs tonight at 9pm on ITV and is available to watch on ITV Player.
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MORE: The Bay season 2: Sharon Small breaks down shocking murder twist in episode 1
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