The writer of Morecambe-based TV drama The Bay says he still has more stories to tell as he hopes for a sixth series.
Daragh Carville was speaking as the fifth series of the hit crime show debuted on ITV1 this week.
Since beginning on ITV1 in 2019, The Bay has gained a huge following as a fictional team of Morecambe police try to solve crimes amid the beautiful and sometimes haunting backdrop of Morecambe and the surrounding area.
When asked if a sixth series was on the cards, Daragh said: "That's really in the lap of the audience and ITV."
LISTEN to Daragh Carville talking about the new series of The Bay
"We've had a very loyal audience over the years, but it's been a couple of years since the show was on," said Daragh, below.
"We are showing it in a slightly different way this time. So we have to see how it goes down with audiences.
"We're feeling very confident and proud of it, in terms of the continuation of the story, but it really depends on how it lands with the audience and how ITV view that.
"Watch this space! We certainly have more stories to tell in the world of The Bay.
"It would be great if we did. But at the same time, five series is quite something in itself. So let's see."
Daragh said it was "nerve-wracking" whenever a new series airs for the first time.
"Even with a show that's quite well established, you never know," he said.
"Is the audience going to come back? Is the audience going to take to the new story we're telling? There's always a little bit of nervousness, but that's alongside a lot of excitement and buzz. After all, that's why we make the show.
"Every season there's a new crime and therefore a new family for our central character Jenn to get to know...while at the same time trying to get to the heart of the mystery and find out whodunnit."
The first episode of the new series aired at 9pm on ITV1 on Sunday, continuing on Monday at 9pm. Episode three will be shown tonight (Tuesday) at 9pm, before the final three episodes are screened from March 9-11.
All six episodes are available on the streaming service ITVX.
The police team, led by DI Tony Manning (Dan Ryan) and with family liaison office Jenn Townsend (Marsha Thomason) are investigating the murder of a young student, Hannah, whose body was found at Glasson Dock.
Originally from Armagh in Northern Ireland, Daragh has lived in Lancaster for more than 20 years.
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