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The One That Got Away Cast – Complete Guide to the BBC Crime Drama

James Morgan Thompson • 2026-05-21 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett





The One That Got Away cast (2024–2025) – full list of actors & characters

The BBC crime drama The One That Got Away has drawn significant attention since its 2024 premiere, largely due to its strong cast and atmospheric Welsh setting. With a six-episode first season anchored by a cold-case murder investigation, viewers have been eager to learn more about the actors who bring the story to life. This guide covers the full cast list, what is known about a possible second season, where to watch the series, and a summary of critical reception. For more information, see The One That Got Away cast, seasons, reviews, and filming locations.

Who Are the Main Cast Members of The One That Got Away?

The series is built around a pair of detectives who must confront both a complex murder case and their own complicated history. The principal cast includes several well-known Welsh actors, reflecting the show’s Pembrokeshire setting.

Genre
British crime drama / mystery
Network
BBC One
Premiere
2024 (Series 1)
Lead Cast
Elen Rhys, Richard Harrington, Rhian Blythe
  • The lead is DI Ffion Lloyd, played by Elen Rhys, who returns to her hometown to investigate a nurse’s murder.
  • Her former lover, DS Rick Sheldon (also referred to as Rick Walters in some sources), is portrayed by Richard Harrington.
  • The cast includes a number of actors with previous BBC drama credits, including Poldark (Rhys and Harrington both appeared in that series).
  • Hannah Daniel plays Lisa Redwood, Ffion’s sister, a key supporting role.
  • Search interest in the character “Bella” suggests a plot point or minor role that may become more important.
Actor Character Notes
Elen Rhys DI Ffion Lloyd Lead detective
Richard Harrington DS Rick Sheldon / Walters Co-lead detective, former partner of Ffion
Rhian Blythe Helen Sheldon Rick’s wife
Ioan Hefin DCI Alan Vaughan Senior officer
Aled Pugh DS Celyn Howells Detective sergeant
Mali Ann Rees DC “Mogsy” / “Mog” Morgan Detective constable
Ian Puleston-Davies Paul Harvey Key suspect or witness
William Thomas Griff Lloyd Ffion’s father
Sharon Morgan Delyth Lloyd Ffion’s mother
Hannah Daniel Lisa Redwood Ffion’s sister

Lead Characters: Ffion Lloyd and Rick Sheldon

DI Ffion Lloyd is a detective who left her hometown years earlier. The murder investigation forces her to work alongside DS Rick Sheldon, her former partner both professionally and personally. Their strained dynamic is central to the drama.

Supporting Cast: Helen Sheldon, DCI Vaughan, and More

Rhian Blythe plays Helen Sheldon, Rick’s wife, who becomes entangled in the investigation. Ioan Hefin portrays DCI Alan Vaughan, the supervising officer. Other supporting characters include Aled Pugh as DS Celyn Howells and Mali Ann Rees as DC “Mog” Morgan.

Guest Stars and Recurring Actors (including Hannah Daniel as Lisa Redwood)

Hannah Daniel appears as Lisa Redwood, Ffion’s sister, whose own secrets may be relevant to the case. Additional cast members include Sule Rimi as Alex Hinton, Matthew Aubrey as Mel Owen, and Gwidion Rhys as Rhys Moss. The full list is available on the IMDb page with full cast and crew.

The Role of ‘Bella’ – Who Plays Her?

Several searches focus on a character named Bella. Based on the available sources, the specific actor for this role is not clearly identified in the main cast lists. It may be a minor character or a plot reference. Full episode credits on BBC episode page for The One That Got Away may provide the answer.

Is There a Season 2 of The One That Got Away?

As of early 2025, the status of a second season remains unconfirmed. The series was renewed for a second series in October 2025 according to some search results, but no official BBC announcement has been widely published at the time of writing. Viewers should treat this information with caution.

Uncertainty note

The renewal date of October 2025 appears in some sources but has not been corroborated by BBC’s official press office. For the most reliable update, check the Wikipedia article on the series for future edits.

Confirmed Status for Season 2 (As of Early 2025)

No definitive statement from BBC or BlackLight TV has been made. The first season’s narrative does leave room for continuation, but producers have not announced a formal green light.

How Many Episodes Are in the First Season?

Series 1 consists of 6 episodes. They aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2024.

What Can Fans Expect From a Potential Second Season?

If renewed, a second season would likely follow the same creative team: writer Catherine Tregenna and director Sion Ifan, with production by BlackLight TV. Cast details are completely unknown at this stage.

Where Can You Watch The One That Got Away?

The series is available through BBC platforms. English-language episodes aired on BBC One Wales, BBC Four, and are currently streaming on BBC iPlayer. The original Welsh version, titled Cleddau, premiered on S4C in 2024.

  • BBC iPlayer – All 6 episodes of Series 1
  • BBC One – Initial broadcast (catch-up via iPlayer)
  • S4C – Welsh-language version (Cleddau)

International streaming rights (Netflix, Acorn TV, etc.) have not been announced. As of now, the only confirmed way to watch is through BBC services within the UK.

What Is The One That Got Away About?

The plot begins when a nurse is found dead in woodland near Pembroke Dock. The murder appears linked to a historic double murder from twelve years earlier, known locally as the “heart knot” killings. DI Ffion Lloyd, who grew up in the area, returns to lead the investigation alongside DS Rick Sheldon.

Setting matters

The series was filmed in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, between November 2023 and April 2024. The salt marsh and estuary landscapes of the River Cleddau are central to the show’s atmosphere.

Plot Synopsis: A Cold Murder Case in Pembrokeshire

As Ffion and Rick dig deeper, they uncover family secrets and tensions that had been buried for over a decade. The former lovers must navigate their personal history while hunting a killer who may still be active.

Setting and Filming Locations

The story is set in and around Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire. The Welsh and English versions were reportedly shot back to back. Wales Online article with filming locations confirms the coastal town as the primary location.

Key Themes: Grief, Family Secrets, and Justice

The drama explores how unresolved grief affects relationships, the weight of family loyalty, and the difficulty of achieving closure in a tight-knit community.

What Are the Reviews and Ratings for The One That Got Away?

Critical response has been generally positive, with several outlets praising the atmosphere and character work.

  • The Guardian gave it four stars, calling it “a rare double delight” and “a smartly plotted thriller” with “complicated adults with complicated relationships.”
  • Good Housekeeping UK described it as “deliciously dark and atmospheric.”
  • Digital Spy noted the “knotty, flawed, and human” characters, especially the emotional tension between the leads.
  • Crime Fiction Lover highlighted the strong sense of place and the layered central mystery.

One individual viewer comment on Rotten Tomatoes called it “the worst British TV police drama,” but this appears to be an isolated opinion rather than a critical consensus.

When Did The One That Got Away Air? A Timeline

  1. 2024 (likely late 2024) – Series 1 premieres on BBC One and BBC iPlayer; Welsh version Cleddau airs on S4C.
  2. November 2023 – April 2024 – Filming takes place in Pembrokeshire.
  3. February 2025 – Renewed media coverage (Grazia, Wales Online) confirms ongoing audience interest; no official season 2 announcement.
  4. Ongoing – Series remains available on iPlayer; viewers continue to search for cast and future season details.

More precise premiere dates have not been widely published.

What Is Confirmed and What Is Still Unclear About the Series?

Established information Information that remains unclear
Elen Rhys plays DI Ffion Lloyd Whether a second season has been formally ordered
Richard Harrington plays DS Rick Sheldon The exact premiere date in 2024
Rhian Blythe plays Helen Sheldon Who plays the character “Bella”
The series aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer International streaming availability beyond BBC iPlayer
Series 1 consists of 6 episodes Any potential cast changes for a second season

Why Does the Series Stand Out Among British Crime Dramas?

The One That Got Away belongs to the “Welsh noir” genre, alongside shows like Hinterland and Keeping Faith. Its bilingual production – filmed in both Welsh and English – adds authenticity. The cast draws heavily on Welsh talent, which strengthens the local identity. The combination of a cold case, a former-couple detective partnership, and atmospheric coastal landscapes gives the series a distinct feel.

Where Do the Cast and Production Details Come From?

Key sources for this information include BBC’s official programme page, the Wikipedia article on the series, and news outlets such as Grazia article on the cast and Wales Online article with filming locations. The IMDb page also provides a comprehensive cast list.

“This new crime drama is one to watch.” – Grazia, 26 Feb 2025

“Hannah Daniel stars as Lisa Redwood, Ffion’s sister.” – Wales Online, 25 Feb 2025

What Should You Remember About The One That Got Away?

The One That Got Away is a six-episode BBC crime drama set in Pembrokeshire, with a cast led by Elen Rhys and Richard Harrington. It offers a layered mystery, strong Welsh atmosphere, and a complicated central relationship. For the most current information on a second season, keep an eye on BBC announcements and dedicated fan resources like The One That Got Away cast, seasons, reviews, and filming locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes are in The One That Got Away series 1?

Series 1 consists of 6 episodes, first broadcast on BBC One in 2024.

Who plays the character Bella in The One That Got Away?

The specific actor for “Bella” is not explicitly listed in the primary cast sources; it may be a minor role. Check full IMDb credits for details.

Is The One That Got Away based on a true story?

The series is a fictional crime drama, not directly based on a true story.

What are the filming locations for The One That Got Away?

The series was filmed in Pembrokeshire, Wales, as reported by Wales Online.

Is there a season 2 of The One That Got Away?

As of early 2025, no official announcement has been made. Some sources mention a renewal in October 2025, but this is not confirmed.

Where can I watch The One That Got Away?

The series is available on BBC iPlayer within the UK. International streaming options have not been announced.

Who plays DI Ffion Lloyd?

Elen Rhys plays DI Ffion Lloyd, the lead detective.

Who plays DS Rick Sheldon?

Richard Harrington portrays DS Rick Sheldon (also referred to as Rick Walters in some sources).

Who wrote The One That Got Away?

The series was written by Catherine Tregenna.

How long is each episode?

Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes, typical for a BBC drama.


James Morgan Thompson

About the author

James Morgan Thompson

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.