‘Grantchester’ preview: Season 6 will be ‘game-changing for a lot of characters’
The cast and writer of Grantchester have given fans the first hints about what’s coming up.
Based on the novels by James Runcie, ITV’s popular period drama series will return later this year.
Season 6 began filming in England last autumn, with the six new episodes set in 1958.
Outlander actor Tom Brittney will be 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.
Speaking to Masterpiece, Grantchester creator and writer Daisy Coulam revealed: “Season 6 is going to be kind of game-changing for a lot of our characters—we’re going to put them all through the wringer this series. And it’s a big series for Leonard, where we’re going to take him to some quite dark places.
“Basically, we’re going to do a couple of quite big stories for our central characters that pull everyone into them. So it’s not separate strands—each strand will affect all of our lovely characters. It’s going to be emotional for all of them! I’m quite excited, actually, about the series.”
She added: “I feel like it could be the height of Grantchester.”
Al Weaver, who plays Leonard, responded: “Obviously it’s one of those things that you don’t know how much you can say, but suffice to say that Leonard’s whole world blows up. I’m really, really excited to get cracking on it!”
Robson Green, who plays Geordie, commented: “Well, let’s just say Geordie and Will, two kindred spirits, go AWOL and go down a really destructive path together. So who’s going to save their two souls?
“The great thing with Daisy, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it does, and it’s all to do with her writing. She’s a genius.”
Hinting at new developments ahead for Will following his sexual liberation, writer Daisy Coulam said: “Maybe I should just say that there’s going to be a woman who impacts his life, not in a relationship way, but in more of a family way, and that’s going to be quite fun…
“So there’s going to be relationships, a lot of love affairs and maybe something serious. Who knows?”
Tom Brittney, who plays Will, added: “It’s so tough because, as much as I know Will inside and out at the moment, I also really love being surprised by the writers…
“After what happened in this last series, it has brought Will and Geordie back together in the end, I’m looking forward to just that fun element.
“I think because of what was happening this series, it took a toll on our friendship. I’m looking forward to having it back and stronger than ever, and seeing where that takes us.”
Season 6 will air in the UK on ITV and in the US on PBS Masterpiece later this year.
Guest stars in the brand new episodes 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).
Grantchester is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.