is back on the with its 12th season and the comedy-drama has featured plenty of stars over the years. Bridgette McCarthy (played by Sorcha Cusack) was Father Brown’s (Mark Williams) church secretary at St Mary’s.
Irish actress Sorcha Cusack was one of the stars who left before season 10, along with Emer Kenny and Jack Deam. Their absence was confirmed when a publicity shot for the new series was released.
Actor John Burton, who plays Sergeant Goodfellow, explained why the cast shake-up had taken place. Taking to Twitter, he said: “Occasionally long running shows need to be refreshed due to artists’ availability.
“So it means we do have some absentees this year, with a few long-term artists moving onto other projects for their own career progression. This is part of an actor’s life, and we must go where the work takes us.
“Yes, there are some changes – but they are brilliant changes, and I truly believe you will absolutely love the new/returning characters. For the moment, we have said goodbye to a few characters who have been brilliant to work with over the years.”
(Image: BBC)
With this in mind, it appears Sorcha left the series to explore pastures new.
However, from John’s statement, it appears the door has perhaps been left open for her return.
Sorcha, 75, does not seem to have addressed her exit from the series.
The busy Irish actress comes from a family of famous stars, with her parents being actors Cyril and Maureen Cusack.
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Mrs McCarthy was Father Brown’s secretary (Image: BBC)
Her sisters, Sinead and Niamh, are both actresses, as well as her half-sister Catherine Cusack.
Niamh played Mrs McCarthy’s sister Roisin in the 2020 episode of Father Brown, called The Numbers of the Beast.
She is also the aunt of Call the Midwife’s Nancy Corrigan actress, Meghan Cusack.
Fans took to to express their disappointment after she left Father Brown. Cindy-Marie said: “I don’t know why, but she is irreplaceable, and season 10 proved it.”
SkipMapudding said: “Not the same without her. Show feels so different. Sorcha was in the first series of Dalgleish which is another show I love.”
Sorcha Cusack joined the series in 2013 (Image: BBC)