Grantchester is set to bid farewell to Reverend Will Davenport after a total of nine series.
As filming gets underway, actor Tom Brittney has confirmed that this next series will be his last.
Tom, who has played much-loved character Reverend Will Davenport, since 2019 is taking a step back as he focuses on new projects.
Meanwhile, the village is getting ready to welcome Rishi Nair, who has starred in Hollyoaks and Count Abdulla, as the new vicar, Alphy Kotteram.
Speaking about leaving the ITV programme, Tom said he has had an "incredible" experience while taking on his role of Will Davenport over five years.
He 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."
Tom took over from Happy Valley star James Norton as Granchester's lead actor. Robson Green, who plays Detective Inspector Geordie Keating, said that a "sadness lingers" that Tom is leaving the show but still thinks it's a "thrilling journey".
He explained: "I feel so blessed to be embarking once again on this thrilling journey with the beloved series, Grantchester. The anticipation is palpable however, amid the exhilaration, a tinge of sadness lingers for all of us as we are bidding farewell to my close friend and remarkable actor Tom Brittney, whose portrayal of the charismatic Will Davenport will be sorely missed."
Talking about joining Grantchester, Rishi said that he has found the support he's received "overwhelming" and that he is "thrilled" to take on the project. Rishi 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."
The synopsis for the ninth series of Grantchester reads: "It’s 1961 and life is good for Will and Geordie. The families are always together, from Sunday lunches to planning summer holidays and with honorary Grandparents Mrs C and Jack, and adopted uncles Daniel and Leonard, it’s one big happy family! But when Will is approached with a life changing offer, can he leave Grantchester, and Geordie behind?
"As Geordie struggles with personal loss and ever-growing family conflict between Cathy and teenage daughter, Esme he has no one to turn to. But when he arrests an intruder breaking into the Vicarage, he may find his days of working with a Vicar are not over."
