GRANTCHESTER SERIES 8 TO AIR IN 2024, NO SERIES THIS YEAR

Grantchester is set to return for an eighth season on ITV1. Originally due to air this year, due to schedule changes the series will now air in 2024 and will see Robson Green returning as DI Geordie Keating and Tom Brittney's final series as Reverend Will Davenport.

Will is the happiest he’s ever been, but his world will be rocked by a terrible accident. He’s always preached the word of a compassionate God – but how can he now, when his despair leads him on a dangerous downward spiral?

Geordie has found a new contentment in his relationship with Cathy, but when they are both confronted with shocking announcements at work, their happiness is threatened.

As Mrs C, Leonard, Jack and Daniel rally around, both Will and Geordie find themselves in unfamiliar, emotional waters and murder is always around the corner. Exploring faith, forgiveness, and redemption – this explosive series tests Will and Geordie to the limit.

Charlotte Ritchie (Ghosts) returns as Bonnie, alongside Tessa Peake-Jones as Mrs C, Al Weaver as Leonard Finch, Kacey Ainsworth as Cathy Keating, Oliver Dimsdale as Daniel Marlowe and Nick Brimble as Jack Chapman.

Elsewhere, it was announced that Tom Brittney was to leave the series and Rishi Nair set to join as the charismatic Vicar Alphy Kotteram for Series 9.

Tom, who has played much-loved character, Reverend Will Davenport, since 2019 is stepping back from his role to focus on new projects. But as one door closes, another one opens and the village welcomes Rishi Nair (Hollyoaks, Count Abdulla) as the charismatic vicar, Alphy Kotteram.

Tom Brittney said: “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.”

Rishi Nair said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Grantchester. The welcome and support I’ve received from everyone has been overwhelming. The success of the show and the reason we are here for a ninth season is a testament to all the people that have previously worked on it. I'm really excited to get started and cannot wait for the Grantchester fans to meet Alphy and to see all that's in store for him.”

Grantchester returns to ITV1 in 2024. More details will be announced in due course.