Robson Green films Grantchester with new vicar Rishi Nair while Tom Brittney makes surprise return to the show

Robson Green was spotted filming Grantchester in Cambridge on Thursday.

The actor, 58, plays the role of Detective Inspector Geordie Keating on the hit ITV drama and threw himself into the action as filming got underway for the ninth series.

For the upcoming batch of episodes, former Hollyoaks star Rishi Nair, 32, has taken on the part of Vicar Alphy Kottera after Tom Brittney left the show. 

Yet Tom – who played Reverend Will Davenport since 2019 – made a surprise return to the show as he joined the pair on set, but this time behind the camera as director. 

The actor looked worlds away from his former character as sported an unshaven look complete with dark baseball cap and casual hoodie.  

Comeback: Tom Brittney – who played Reverend Will Davenport since 2019 – made a surprise return to the show as he joined the pair on set, but this time behind the camera as director 

Earlier this year, Tom announced that the eighth series – which will hit screens in 2024 –  would be his last after appearing in 30 episodes.

Happy Valley actor James Norton, 38, was the original sleuthing vicar when he joined the ITV drama on its launch in 2014. 

He handed over the reins to Tom four years later. 

At the time of quitting, Tom explained: ‘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, and I’m so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family.’

Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Executive Producer for production company Kudos, described Tom’s departure as ‘the end of an era’ and the cast will prepare to say an emotional goodbye.

She added: ‘But audiences can look forward to a new and fantastically entertaining chapter as we welcome Rishi Nair to the series.

‘Alphy Kotteram is charismatic, witty and will give Geordie a run for his money. I think the audience will love our new addition.’ 

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New role: For the upcoming batch of episodes, former Hollyoaks star Rishi, 32, has taken on the part of Vicar Alphy Kottera after Tom left the show

Behind the camera: Tom looked worlds away from his former character as sported an unshaven look complete with dark baseball cap and casual hoodie 

Giving advice? Tom was seen walking with is arm around Robson as filming got underway for the ITV mystery series

On his casting, Rishi gushed about the ‘support’ he received from the cast and crew.

He said: ‘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.’

Based on the Grantchester Mysteries novels by James Runcie, the series has become a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Fan favourite: Tom took on the role as parish priest Will Davenport in 2019, starring alongside Robson who plays Inspector Geordie Keeting in the 1950s detective drama