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On June 16, we were blessed with the second season of The Light in the Hall, subtitled Still Waters.
The series is the English-language version of Y Golau: Dŵr, which previously aired in Welsh on S4C and follows Caryl (Sian Reese-Williams) as she makes a career change to journalism.
The atmospheric Welsh landscapes are as important to The Light in the Hall as the mystery itself. Although the drama is set in the fictional town of Llanemlyn, the series was filmed across Carmarthenshire in west Wales, with several real towns and landmarks standing in for the show's haunting setting. Some of the cast even grew up nearby.
Below, we detail everything there is to know about season two's various filming locations.
The wider Tywi Valley serves as the principal backdrop for the series, providing its rolling countryside, rivers and dramatic hillsides. Joanna Scanlan previously praised the valley for challenging common perceptions of Wales, describing it as 'exquisite' and highlighting its fertile landscape, Georgian towns and rich history. Meanwhile, Iwan Rheon spent his downtime exploring the area on long walks, saying 'the scenery is another character in the series'. The valley's dramatic landscapes underpin much of the show's distinctive atmosphere.
Production also took place in Llandovery, a historic market town on the western edge of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park.
Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed that cast and crew spent several weeks filming there during production, alongside nearby locations.
One of the most striking new locations introduced in Still Waters is Llyn Brianne Dam and Reservoir.
The reservoir stands in for the fictional Nantwen Reservoir, which forms the centre of the series' storyline surrounding a controversial expansion project.
Located at the headwaters of the River Tywi in the Cambrian Mountains, Llyn Brianne is famous for its dramatic spillway and is Britain's tallest concrete-faced rock-fill dam. Its rugged cliffs, forests and open water feature prominently throughout the series and provide many of its most memorable aerial shots.
In episode one, Rhys Owen is seen walking across Towy Bridge in the village of Rhandirmwyn, around 15 miles north of Llandovery in the upper Tywi Valley.
The distinctive steel truss bridge spans the River Tywi and dates back to around 1913.
Episode three features a meeting between Eve and Hari beside a picturesque waterfall.
These scenes were filmed at Penllergaer Valley Woods, a Victorian woodland estate on the outskirts of Swansea. The popular beauty spot is known for its woodland walks, lakes, waterfalls and ornamental gardens, making it a fitting backdrop for one of the series' most atmospheric scenes.
The elegant indoor swimming pool featured in episode four was filmed at Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa in Hensol, a village in the Vale of Glamorgan around 10 miles north-west of Cardiff.
The luxury hotel provided the setting for Robert's swimming scenes.
Also appearing in episode four is Cascade Towers on City Road in Cardiff, located just east of the city centre in the Plasnewydd district.
At the time of filming the development was still under construction, with the site later becoming a seven-storey social housing development.
The police station seen during episode six is actually Pontypridd Register Office, located in the centre of the Rhondda Cynon Taf town around 12 miles north of Cardiff.
The Grade II-listed building previously served as Pontypridd Coroner's Court before being repurposed, making it an ideal stand-in for the series' police headquarters.
The final episode features Caryl visiting the offices of the fictional Western Herald newspaper.
These scenes were filmed at Llys Cadwyn, a modern civic and commercial development in the heart of Pontypridd town centre. The complex is home to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council offices, Transport for Wales and a number of cafés and businesses.
Like Still Waters, the first season was filmed primarily across Carmarthenshire, with the Tywi Valley providing the show's signature landscapes. The fictional town of Llanemlyn was created using locations including Llandeilo, Llandovery, Llangadog and Carmarthen, with additional filming taking place in Cardiff.
Season two is streaming on Channel 4 now. New episodes air weekly live on Channel 4 and are also available to watch on demand via the broadcaster's streaming platform.
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Charlotte Cunnane is a Hearst Next Gen Associate, working within the ELLE team and across both print and digital. Reporting on all things culture, she covers everything from must watch crime thrillers to modern day dating, while also regularly updating the horoscopes section.
Charlotte graduated with a first-class degree and has since spent her time working in numerous creative roles across the media industry, with a focus in luxury fashion.
When not writing pieces for ELLE, Charlotte can be found mooching around local flea markets and exploring London's most coveted bakeries. Follow Charlotte on Instagram at @charlottecunnane.