This is why James Norton is leaving ‘Grantchester’

Grantchester fans received some good news and some bad news recently.

A third season of the hit 1950s period drama series aired in early 2017, but fans had been waiting since then to hear if the show will return.

ITV confirmed this week that Grantchester definitely will be back for a fourth run, but the new episodes will see the departure of James Norton as Sidney Chambers.

It looks like we now know why Norton will be leaving the show…

The BBC has just renewed his global thriller drama series McMafia for a second season.

Inspired by Misha Glenny’s best-selling book of the same name, McMafia made its debut on BBC One in January and has become one of the most popular shows on BBC iPlayer of all time.

The first season charted the journey of James Norton’s character Alex Godman’s deeper and deeper into the world of organised crime, eventually finding himself unable to resist the lures of corruption.

McMafia creators Hossein Amini and James Watkins commented: “We are so thrilled with how McMafia has resonated with audiences across the world and are delighted to be given the opportunity to cast more light on the shady intersections of transnational criminals and their enablers in finance, law, intelligence agencies and even in governments.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: “McMafia’s blend of topicality and killer storytelling struck a chord with audiences and significantly added to the discourse around Anglo-Russian relations and we are excited to be returning to that world in the safe and brilliant hands of James and Hoss for series two.”

Norton’s final season of Grantchester is expected to air in early 2019.

Season 3 is available now to buy on DVD.

James Norton is also rumoured to be in line as Daniel Craig’s replacement when the actor quits his role as 007 following next year’s 25th James Bond movie.