The charming day-time detective series Father Brown is all set to wrap up its 12th season this week, handing fans their final fix of crime-solving clergyman action for the year. Ever since its debut in 2013, the gentle crime drama has captured viewers’ hearts across the globe.
Over the years, has cherished its cast, even as it bid farewell to stars like Emer Kenny – who brought life to the exuberant Penelope ‘Bunty’ Windermere from 2017 to 2021, before her character embarked on adventures abroad. Kenny’s departure piqued fan interest, prompting a candid explanation during an appearance on the podcast Rob Brydon & back in 2023.
Comedic great Rob Brydon, aged 59, probed into her exit: “Did you leave of your own volition or had they had enough of you?” he queried. Kenny revealed: “I don’t think they’d had enough of me, I hope. No, Karen Pirie and this other show that I’m in, The Curse, they came along.”
She also hinted at a possible return: “But I can always go back, I think, if I wanted to.”
Currently, Kenny is juggling multiple roles including ITV’s Karen Pirie where she shines as both a star and executive power behind the scenes, with eyes set on season two in 2025, reports .
Emer Kenny and Rick Edwards got married in 2016 (Image: GETTY)
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When not on screen or crafting stories, Kenny keeps company with her equally renowned partner.
The actress is married to TV presenter and radio host Rick Edwards, who got hitched in an idyllic wedding in summer 2016. Tying the knot amid the botanical splendour of Kew Gardens, the ceremony boasted high-profile guests such as former co-host Alexa Chung.
Without skipping a beat, Kenny was soon back filming on the Gloucestershire set of Father Brown, even welcoming Edwards for a visit. Documenting the moment on with a cheeky selfie, the pair have since celebrated nearly nine blissful years together.
Father Brown star Emer Kenny played Bunty Windermere (Image: GETTY)
Reflecting on his adoration, Edwards gushed over his wife on their fifth anniversary with a heartfelt tribute: “5 YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WITH THIS BRILLIANT LADY.”
He continued to shower her with esteem, “I would strongly recommend marrying someone who you are constantly proud of, in awe of, fancy loads, and who makes you laugh, always. Often intentionally.”
The couple’s joy multiplied with the birth of their first child in 2023, announced by an elated Kenny on alongside charming series of pictures and a video of Edwards discussing their bundle of joy on 5 Live. She captioned the post: “Some news! Rick and I have had a beautiful baby boy. He is just magic.”
Emer Kenny is married to TV host Rick Edwards (Image: GETTY)
Kenny also reflected on her challenging year in 2024, revealing: “Raising babies and making TV don’t go that well together. My 2024 was held together mainly by my mum.”
She also expressed gratitude, adding, “Worked with some amazing people, saw some wonderful things, missed out on an incredible amount of sleep. Thank you everyone, thank you mum.”
In recent updates, Kenny divulged snippets of her bustling life, from celebrating her little one’s second birthday to mastering the art of maintaining her work-life equilibrium, stating: “January. Scripts, self-tapes, snow, safari parks and scaring the life out of our two year old.”
Father Brown airs on One on Fridays at 2pm