The eight-episode series follows the rape of a local woman in the fictional, close-knit coastal town of Broadchurch in Dorset, England.

[13] David Tennant and Olivia Colman were the first two cast members to be confirmed to return for the third and final series.

On 12 April 2016, ITV officially announced the casting for the third and final series, with Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan, Arthur Darvill, Carolyn Pickles and Adam Wilson returning to play their respective roles as Beth Latimer, Mark Latimer, Rev.

[14] Charlotte Rampling confirmed she would not return as Jocelyn Knight QC,[15] with her character's absence explained in the second episode as being due to her being involved in a big trial in London.

Actors new to Broadchurch include Mark Bazeley, Georgina Campbell, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Charlie Higson, Sarah Parish, Lenny Henry, Roy Hudd, Sunetra Sarker, Sebastian Armesto, Becky Brunning, Jim Howick, Chris Mason and Deon-Lee Williams.