Brilliant news for ‘Grantchester’ fans!

The new season of Grantchester has officially begun production.

Based on the novels by James Runcie, ITV’s popular period drama series returned with a fifth season earlier this year.

Season 5 aired in the US this summer on PBS and a sixth run was confirmed shortly after.

There had been some doubt about whether the planned shoot would be possible this autumn due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, which saw production shut down on the likes of Call the Midwife and Peaky Blinders this spring.

However, we can now reveal that filming on Season 6 is underway in Cambridgeshire, Hampshire and Hertfordshire.

Outlander actor Tom Brittney is back as clergyman Will Davenport, alongside Robson Green (Soldier Soldier) as DI Geordie Keating.

They’ll be joined by 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.

Guest stars in the new season of Grantchester will include Jemma Redgrave (Holby City), Gary Beadle (EastEnders), Dominic Mafham (New Tricks), Rachael Stirling (The Bletchley Circle), Miles Jupp (Father Brown), and Rebecca Front (Poldark).

Season 6 will be set in 1958.

The first episode will see Geordie, Cathy and their family, Will, Leonard and Mrs C take a much needed holiday together.

However, what sets out to be a fun-filled break for everyone at a holiday camp, is interrupted by a tragic death at the resort. Geordie and Will are left with no choice but to help out, as an investigation into the death begins. As events unfold on the trip, there will be serious repercussions for the rest of the season.

Executive producer Rebecca Eaton commented: “A charming, good-hearted drama about community is what we all need right now, and that’s exactly what Grantchester is. Welcome back!”

While we wait for the new season to arrive, Amazon Prime members can currently catch up on the first four seasons of Grantchester for free!

If you’ve not already got Amazon Prime, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here.

To ensure that the production remains safe, all the camera and sound equipment is being sanitised at the end of each filming day, while make-up is being applied by technicians wearing full PPE.

Executive producer Emma Kingsman-Lloyd said: “In these difficult times we are delighted to be able to film another series of our beloved Grantchester.

“The cast and crew have worked tirelessly to bring the series to the screen and we know the audience are very excited to see what Will, Geordie and the Grantchester family have in store for them.”

While stuck at home during lockdown this summer, Grantchester writer Daisy Coulam was joined by the cast for a very funny video chat.

Season 6 is expected to air in the UK in early 2021 on ITV and next summer in the US on PBS Masterpiece.

Grantchester is available on DVD on Amazon.