Fans of the popular crime drama, Grantchester, were delighted as the ninth series returned to screens this week, featuring DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green) and Reverend Will Davenport (Tom Brittney) solving yet another murder.
However, viewers will soon bid farewell to the beloved Reverend, with newcomer Alphy Kottaram (Rishi Nair) set to take his place in an upcoming episode.
Ahead of his debut, Rishi spoke to and on about what lies ahead for the show. He revealed: “We’ve done season 10. We finished that about three or four weeks ago.
“So it’s strange, I’ve done two seasons, and it’s not even been out! Coming on here and talking about season nine, I’m like, ‘What happened in season nine? ‘ It was so long ago we filmed it.”
The actor, known for his role as Sam Maalik in Hollyoaks and appearances in Count Abdulla, and Whitstable Pearl, admitted he had to remind himself not to reveal any spoilers from season 10.
ITV Grantchester newcomer Rishi Nair issues update on future series ahead of debut (Image: ITV)
Making his first appearance in the third episode of the current series, Rishi likened his initial experience on the Grantchester set to being the new kid at school and felt as though he’d stepped back in time during his first scenes, reports .
Speaking about his initial experience on set, he said: “On my first day, I was only in one scene, and it’s one when Alphy punches Geordie. I was thinking, ‘Oh, brilliant. For my first scene, I have to punch Robson Green in the face!’
“But it was really fun and just so exciting. I remember going home after that day absolutely shattered. I’d been running on adrenaline.”
In a changing of the guard, Rishi Nair is set to fill the shoes of Tom Brittney, who joined the show in 2018 as a successor to
Grantchester season nine will welcome actor Rishi Nair as Alphy Kotteram. (Image: ITV)
Brittney opened up about his departure from the much-loved ITV series, expressing his feelings by saying: “I’ve had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years.”
He reflected fondly on his time: “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.”
Tom Brittney will be leaving the beloved ITV crime drama this series (Image: ITV)
Viewers have been vocal about Tom leaving the ITV drama, with many not wanting the village vicar to leave. One person said: ” Not ready for Will to go.”
Another commented:” I’m not ready for change, can’t you stay Will.” With another adding: ” It’s so good to have #Grantchester back. @tombrittney will already be missed.”
However, many are keen to see Rishi take the reigns as his debut is expected to air soon.
Grantchester is available to watch on ITVX.