Granchester star Tom Brittney has expressed his thoughts regarding his departure from the popular ITV show, admitting “it’s time” to move on.
The 34-year-old played the role of Reverend Will Davenport since 2019, alongside actor Robson Green, after taking over the lead role from James Norton’s Sidney Chambers. However, last year it was confirmed that Tom would be leaving the show.
As the ninth series returns to screens, Tom will take a take a step back as the drama welcomes Hollyoaks star Rishi Nair as the charismatic vicar, Alphy Kottaram. Talking about his exit, Tom confessed that it’s now time to pass the baton over.
He told ITV: “I’ve had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years. 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.
In a recent press conference, Tom shared: “It was one of the hardest decisions of my life,” he commented as he joined other cast members in a press Q&A.
“I’ve spent five or six years, and the happiest years of my career doing Grantchester and playing a character which just had so much depth and complexity and it was just a happy place.”
Executive Producer for Kudos Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, also shared her thoughts on Tom leaving the programme and said he will be missed. She told ITV: “It’s the end of an era as we say an emotional farewell to Tom Brittney.
“He’s been extraordinary in the past five series, and we’ll miss him very much. But audiences can look forward to a new and fantastically entertaining chapter as we welcome Rishi Nair to the series. Alphy Kottaram is charismatic, witty and will give Geordie a run for his money. I think the audience will love our new addition.”
Meanwhile, Masterpiece Executive Producer Susanne Simpson added: “It’s so hard to say goodbye to Tom Brittney, who has become a beloved member of the Grantchester ensemble. Fortunately for MASTERPIECE and the show’s devoted audience, Rishi Nair is terrific as Alphy Kottaram, a character who we know will quickly become a fan favourite.”
Granchester Season 9 will air Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 9pm on ITV1
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