‘Grantchester’: Tom Brittney Leaves Series As Rishi Nair Joins As New Vicar For Season 9

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Whilst we’re still awaiting a UK premiere date for ‘Grantchester‘ Season 8, we do have some news on Season 9, which currently filming. The ecclesiastical crime-solving duo is changing again, as Tom Brittney announces he’s leaving the show, and Rishi Nair will join Robson Green as the new vicar.

Tom, who has played the much-loved character of Reverend Will Davenport since 2019, is stepping back from his role to focus on new projects. But as one door closes, another opens, and the village welcomes Rishi Nair (Hollyoaks, Count Abdulla) as the charismatic vicar, Alphy Kotteram. This will be the third partner for Robson Green’s Geordie, following on from James Norton, who played Reverend Sidney Chambers in the first four seasons, with Tom Brittney joining in season four.

“I’ve had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years,” said Tom Brittney. “I got to solve crimes with my best friend, and work with the best cast and crew I could ever ask for. I’ll miss it more than anything. But it’s time for the baton to be passed, as it once was to me, and I’m so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family.”

Rishi Nair is probably best known for his role as Sami Maalik in ‘Hollyoaks’. More recently he played Majid in the new ITVX horror-comedy ‘Count Abdulla’.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Grantchester,” adds Nair. “The welcome and support I’ve received from everyone has been overwhelming. The success of the show and the reason we are here for a ninth season is a testament to all the people that have previously worked on it. I’m really excited to get started and cannot wait for the Grantchester fans to meet Alphy and to see all that’s in store for him.”

It’s 1961 and life is good for Will and Geordie. The families are always together, from Sunday lunches to planning summer holidays and with honorary Grandparents Mrs C and Jack, and adopted uncles Daniel and Leonard, it’s one big happy family! But when Will is approached with a life-changing offer, can he leave Grantchester, and Geordie behind?

As Geordie struggles with personal loss and ever-growing family conflict between Cathy and teenage daughter, Esme he has no one to turn to. But when he arrests an intruder breaking into the Vicarage, he may find his days of working with a Vicar are not over.

Reverend Alphy Kotteram has an instinctive distrust for authority and absolutely no desire to get involved in murder investigations. But Alphy and Geordie will discover they have a lot more in common than they first think, and Alphy will find that in Grantchester, murder is never far away.

From deadly circuses, abandoned babies, and hostile historians to vanishing valets and murderous satirists. Together, Geordie and Alphy witness first-hand how religion can be corrupted, but also how faith, love and friendship can offer hope – and renewal.

Robson Green returns alongside Charlotte Ritchie as Bonnie, Al Weaver as Leonard Finch, Tessa Peake-Jones as Mrs C, Kacey Ainsworth as Cathy Keating, Oliver Dimsdale as Daniel Marlowe, Nick Brimble as Jack Chapman, Bradley Hall as DC Larry Peters and Melissa Johns as Miss Scott.

“I feel so blessed to be embarking once again on this thrilling journey with the beloved series, Grantchester,” said Robson Green. “The anticipation is palpable however, amid the exhilaration, a tinge of sadness lingers for all of us as we are bidding farewell to my close friend and remarkable actor Tom Brittney, whose portrayal of the charismatic Will Davenport will be sorely missed. Yet, we are all delighted in welcoming the incredibly talented Rishi Nair to the Grantchester family! With his exceptional skills and magnetic presence, I have no doubt that Rishi will be captivating the hearts of millions not only in the UK but also across the globe.”

If you’re wondering why ‘Granchester’ Season 8 is now airing in the USA, but not yet in the UK, it’s due to the series being a co-production with PBS MASTERPIECE in the USA, who are now the lead studio (i.e. put in the most money). That is why they get it first.

“It’s so hard to say goodbye to Tom Brittney, who has become a beloved member of the Grantchester ensemble,” says MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Susanne Simpson. “Fortunately for MASTERPIECE and the show’s devoted audience, Rishi Nair is terrific as Alphy Kotteram, a character who we know will quickly become a fan favourite.”

The series will be executive produced for Kudos (part of Banijay UK) by Emma Kingsman-Lloyd (SAS Rogue Heroes, Deadwater Fell), writer and series creator Daisy Coulam (Deadwater Fell, Humans), Robson Green and Tom Brittney. The Executive Producers for MASTERPIECE are Susanne Simpson and Rebecca Eaton at GBH Boston. ITV Drama commissioner Helen Perry is responsible for the production of Grantchester on behalf of ITV1 and ITVX.

Adapted from the Grantchester Mysteries novels by James Runcie, the series was developed for television by Daisy Coulam. Writers this series include Daisy Coulam, Richard Cookson, Nessah Muthy and Ayeesha Menon. The series is directed by Katherine Churcher, Rob Evans and Al Weaver (who will direct two episodes). The producer is Jyoti Fernandes.

‘Grantchester’ is commissioned by PBS MASTERPIECE and PBSd for US audiences and is one of ITV’s most popular returning series. MASTERPIECE is presented on PBS by GBH Boston. Banijay Rights will be responsible for international distribution.

‘Grantchester‘ Season 8 does not yet have a UK premiere date but will air on ITV1 and ITVX. The season is airing now on PBS MASTERPIECE in the USA. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when they get a UK premiere date.