Marsha Thomason, known for her role as DS Jenn Townsend in *The Bay*, grew up in Manchester and studied English at Manchester Metropolitan University. She began her acting career in the UK in 1997, appearing in shows like *Pie in the Sky*, *Playing the Field*, and *Burn It*. She later moved to the US, landing roles in *The Haunted Mansion*, *Las Vegas*, and *Lost*. Thomason joined *The Bay* in 2022, taking over the lead role after the previous actress left. Season 5 of *The Bay* premiered on March 2, 2023, on ITV.