ITV Grantchester explained: How is Will Davenport going to leave in season 9?

Grantchester fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the beloved 1960s-set drama, with season nine soon to premiere.

The show will see the dynamic crime-solving duo, DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green) and Reverend Will Davenport (Tom Brittney), back in action.

Tom Brittney, who stepped into Grantchester in its fourth season after James Norton’s departure, is set to bid farewell to his role as the charming Reverend.

After six years, the 34-year-old actor is ready to take off his clerical collar, despite not making his exit in the first episode of the new season, which airs on Wednesday, January 8, at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.

Brittney’s character, Will, will have his final scenes unfold in the second episode of the series.

The actor has hinted at what prompts Will’s departure during a Q&A.

He disclosed: “In this series, he’s married, he’s now a stepfather with a baby on the way, and then he’s got a baby.

“Life seems brilliant; he’s with his family, he’s firmly in the world of Grantchester, but then he gets an offer from the Bishop that he may or may not be able to refuse.”

The upcoming episodes promise intrigue as Geordie and Will delve into the mysterious death of a magician while the circus visits town, all while Will grapples with concerns that he might just be “coasting” in his comfortable life in Grantchester. 

His congregation is dwindling, and even former curate Leonard Finch (Al Weaver) has stopped attending church, causing Will to question his faith.

While it’s a shame to see Will depart, he will soon be replaced by a new vicar, Alphy Kotteram, played by actor Rishi Nair.

Nair is best known for his four-year stint as lawyer Sami Maalik on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, which ended in 2021.

Grantchester season nine premieres on Wednesday, January 8, at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.