‘Grantchester’ reveals who’ll be replacing Will as new vicar next season!
It’s time for a new vicar in Grantchester again!
Tom Brittney joined the cast of ITV’s hit ’50s crime drama in the summer of 2018, replacing original star James Norton.
After five years playing Reverend Will Davenport, it was announced this week that Brittney will be exiting the show in Grantchester‘s upcoming ninth season.
We can now reveal who’ll be taking over from Will, with actor Rishi Nair officially on board to play new vicar Alphy Kotteram.
The 32-year-old TV star is best known for his role as Sami in Channel 4’s long-running soap opera Hollyoaks.
You might have also seen the London-born actor in episodes of New Tricks, Silent Witness, Whitstable Pearl, and Netflix drama Treason.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Grantchester,” commented Rishi Nair.
“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,” he added.
“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,” Nair teased.
The eighth season of Grantchester premiered in the US earlier this month on PBS Masterpiece, although we still don’t have a UK launch date yet!
Brittney commented: “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.”
Robson Green will continue to play Geordie in the series as it approaches its tenth anniversary.
“We are all delighted in welcoming the incredibly talented Rishi Nair to the Grantchester family!” said Green.
“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.”
Green also paid tribute to his former co-star on Twitter, writing: “There are no goodbyes for best friends!”
“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again. I will miss you more than you can imagine, Tom,” he shared.
He then welcomed Tom Brittney’s replacement, saying: “Stoked to have @rishinair joining the Grantchester family. You’re going to love it!”
Brittney’s final scenes will air in the ninth season of Grantchester, which is filming in England right now.
Executive producer Susanne Simpson has assured fans that “Rishi Nair is terrific as Alphy Kotteram, a character who we know will quickly become a fan favorite.”
“Audiences can look forward to a new and fantastically entertaining chapter as we welcome Rishi Nair to the series,” added fellow Grantchester exec Emma Kingsman-Lloyd.
She describes the character of Alphy as “charismatic [and] witty,” hinting that he’ll “give Geordie a run for his money.”
While we’re sad to see Tom Brittney depart the show, it certainly looks like the village’s run of ridiculously handsome vicars will continue!
Alongside Robson Green, all the other main cast members and supporting characters are also expected to return in Season 9 when it airs next year on PBS in the US on and on ITV in the UK.
Grantchester is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.