Channel 4's 'fantastic' TV thriller set to return with a second season and huge twist

Nearly three years have passed since The Light in the Hall first graced Channel 4 screens, and the broadcaster has at last revealed plans for a second series.

The beloved mystery drama - alternatively titled Y Golau - initially debuted on S4C in 2022 before making its way to Channel 4 in January 2023. The six-episode programme is set in Llanemlyn, a Welsh town, and features dialogue in both English and Welsh.

The inaugural series, featuring Joanna Scanlan, Iwan Rheon and Alexandra Roach, followed a heartbroken mother's quest for truth regarding her daughter's vanishing 18 years earlier.

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The upcoming series will showcase an entirely fresh ensemble whilst returning to Llanemlyn, exploring a completely different storyline, reports Wales Online.

Spearheading the cast is Holby City's Siân Reese-Williams as Caryl Huws, alongside Hostage's Mark Lewis-Jones portraying Rhys Owen.

They're accompanied by Keeping Faith's Nia Roberts taking on Eve Davies, plus Sherwood's Robert Glenister as Robert Davies.

The forthcoming drama also features White Lines' Tom Rhys Harries as Hari Breckon, The Red King's Maeve Courtier-Lilly as Mabli Davies Owen and Steeltown Murders' Wyn Bowen Harries as Bryn Owen.

Mali Tudno Jones takes the role of Megan Breckon, whilst Matthew Gravelle appears as Gareth Breckon and Gillian Elisa plays Eunice.

The Light in the Hall's second series centres on a "controversial redevelopment plan to expand the reservoir reigniting old tensions".

The synopsis continues: "The narrative grips Caryl, a young journalist, who finds herself caught up in a tangled maze of personal betrayal, family secrets, and sinister mysteries, casting uncertainty over Rhys Owen's conviction for murdering his cousin Llŷr during the 1995 expansion protests."

The debut series of The Light in the Hall proved a massive success amongst viewers, who hailed it as "fantastic" in social media reviews.

Reactions at the time featured: "A drama that's gone under the radar a bit is Welsh drama The Light In The Hall on Channel 4! The wonderful Joanna Scanlon with Iwan Rheon. Well worth the watch!".

Another drew parallels between The Light in the Hall and ITV's Vera, saying: "The Light in the Hall's a fantastic series, Channel 4. It's a Vera-ish story."

Y Golau: Dŵr will arrive on S4C on Sunday, 14 September. The English language version, The Light in the Hall: Still Waters, will be released on Channel 4 at a later date.