TV drama Under Salt Marsh caused chaos in Welsh village after children seen in school that closed years ago
Rhondda Cynon Taf council has apologised to the children of Rhigos village after a group of young people were seen playing in the school as if it was a normal school day
Sky's new crime drama Under Salt Marsh shows a different side to Wales. The series was set in the fictional town of Morfa Halen, and was predominantly filmed in the seaside village of Fairbourne in North Wales. However, there was one filming location which has had very little recognition.
The series revolves around the murder of a nine-year-old school boy named Cefin Hill, who's body was discovered in a water bank by his teacher, Jackie Ellis played by Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly. The series kicks off in the school where we are introduced to the characters.
Although, these scenes were actually filmed in south Wales, and caused quite a bit of commotion at the time of filming.
The school itself was actually Rhigos Primary School in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The school was closed in Spring of 2024 after plans to reconsider the decision failed.
The pupils who attended the school were all moved roughly four miles down the road to Hirwaun Primary School. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here
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When Under Salt Marsh started filming at the location in 2025 there was uproar. Children who had formally attended the school had seen youngsters entering and leaving Rhigos Primary School and playing in the playground.
The production company used the location to film the school scenes for two weeks between January 14, 2025 and January 21, 2025
An apology was delivered to former pupils of the closed school after they witnessed the actors playing there as though it were an ordinary school day.
On February 12, 2025, Rhondda Cynon Taf councillor Karen Morgan, Plaid Cymru, told a full council meeting that the children then asked their parents whether the school was open and if they would be able to attend there again.
Cllr Morgan said the council had leased the school to a film production company which was creating the new Sky drama.
Cllr Lewis said he agreed with the sentiment contained within the question and that he was "very disappointed" to learn that the school had been used for that purpose.
He said his understanding was that an apology had been issued by the relevant department and the production company to the residents and community of Rhigos.
You can watch Under Salt Marsh on Sky Atlantic or NOW TV.
