Robson Green is getting a different TV sidekick for the next series of Grantchester, after popular co-star Tom Brittney announced his departure from the show.
Grantchester has now been pulling in millions of ITV viewers for close to a decade now, having launched in 2014. Tom has been playing Robson's on screen partner in crime, Rev. Will Davenport for the last five years, but, on Wednesday, it was announced by channel bosses that he was walking away from the role.
Breaking the news to fans, Tom 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."
Tom's successor has already been revealed as Rishi Nair, the 32-year-old actor most famous for playing Sami Malik in Hollyoaks. Talking about his excitement at landing a lead role in Grantchester as charismatic vicar, Alphy Kotteram., the actor, who has also starred in New Tricks, Silent Witness and Count Abdulla, 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.”
Robson became firm friends with Tom off screen as well as on, with Tom, joining him on fishing trips in the North East, including one off the North Shields coast with Sam Fender. Reflection on his exit and Rishi's arrival into the Grantchester fold, the former Soldier Soliser and Wire in the Blood star said he was heading into the new series with a 'tinge of sadness', elaborating: "...we are bidding farewell to my close friend and remarkable actor Tom Brittney, whose portrayal of the charismatic Will Davenport will be sorely missed.
"Yet, we are all delighted in welcoming the incredibly talented Rishi Nair to the Grantchester family! With his exceptional skills and magnetic presence, I have no doubt that Rishi will be captivating the hearts of millions not only in the UK but also across the globe.”
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