‘Father Brown’ fans can rejoice, as filming has officially wrapped on the thirteenth series of the hugely popular BBC Daytime drama, and the BBC has released first look images along with details of some very special guest stars.
The upcoming series will see guest appearances from Maureen Lipman (Coronation Street), Julia Sawalha (Absolutely Fabulous), Phil Daniels (EastEnders), Debra Stephenson (Bad Girls), Davood Ghadami (EastEnders), Kevin Harvey (Life), George Rainsford (Casualty), and Timothy Watson (The Archers), all joining Mark Williams in the beloved role of the crime-busting clergyman. Fans will also be delighted to hear that Sorcha Cusack is making a special return as Mrs McCarthy for the first episode.
Returning regulars include Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as the new Mrs Isabel Sullivan, Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda, and John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow. Also back are Nancy Carroll as Lady Felicia, John Light as Hercule Flambeau, Lex Shrapnel as Father Lazarus, Roger May as Canon Fox, and Kieran Hodgson as Father Lindsey.
Following the joyful wedding at the end of series 12, the new Mr and Mrs Sullivan settle into married life, with Isabel embracing her role in the Policeman’s Wives Society. Meanwhile, Brenda embarks on a journey of self-empowerment, taking over as Parish Secretary and learning to drive with Sergeant Goodfellow’s help. Father Brown finds himself drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse when Flambeau sends him to visit Father Lazarus in prison, ruffling the feathers of Canon Fox. With his consecration looming, Bishop-Elect Fox is plotting revenge, threatening to change Kembleford forever. And, in a series first, the gang are heading to the seaside.
Speaking about the new series, Mark Williams said:
“My Dad was a surveyor and taught me how to look at buildings, not just their architecture but how they were used, and why they were where they are. So one of the constant pleasures of filming Father Brown for me is the places we film in, and I always have the relevant Pevsner’s ‘Buildings of England’ book to hand. This year, our 13th, has been a great year for interesting locations. We have filmed in The Chateaux Impney a French fantasy in Droitwich, the little theatre in Chipping Norton (an ex Salvation Army Citadel), the wonderful 18th Century octagonal Crown Courts in Warwick and an atmospheric ex-Nunnery in Great Malvern with a glorious chapel by Ninian Comper. Also, The Fleece Inn in Bretforton which is a English pub time capsule, the spectacular Baroque church at Great Witley, and to top it off a selection of lovely stone Cotswold houses and churches. What a fabulous itinerary. And we filmed an episode at the seaside! Lucky lad, as my Dad would have said.”
Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, added:
“Father Brown has many loyal fans and they are NOT going to be disappointed with the latest episodes. The team at BBC Studios have delivered another fabulous series, and there are some very exciting guest appearances too!”
Executive Producer Neil Irvine teased more drama ahead:
“I’m delighted that Mark Williams is back as Father Brown for a phenomenal thirteenth series, which promises to be the most exciting to date. Mrs McCarthy’s return, a rock’n’roll invasion and a trip to the seaside are just a few of the treats in store for our loyal audience. And when Canon Fox becomes Bishop-Elect, Father Brown finds his position dangling perilously on a thread. Can he secure his position in Kembleford once and for all?”
Since debuting in 2013, ‘Father Brown’ has become the UK’s number one daytime drama and an international hit, with audiences across the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Hungary, Poland, Turkey, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania and Japan.
‘Father Brown’ Season 13 premieres early 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 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 it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
Login to Geektown