BBC News, Cambridgeshire
South Beds News AgencyA TV crime drama named after a Cambridgeshire village is to end following its 11th series.
ITV’s Grantchester features Robson Green as Det Insp Geordie Keating, helping to solve crimes in the village near Cambridge alongside vicar Alphy Kottaram, played by Rishi Nair.
Based on the novels of James Runcie, the show initially starred Happy Valley star James Norton as the village vicar, Sidney Chambers, before Tom Brittney joined as new clergyman, Will Davenport.
Green, 60, said it had “been an honour to share in the magic of Grantchester” and he was “forever grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the love”.
“Emma Kingsman Lloyd [executive producer] and Daisy Coulam [writer and series creator], from that very first day you gave me the extraordinary opportunity to be part of this experience,” he added.
ITVNair, 34, said: “It’s been the greatest honour to step into the world of Grantchester and be part of a show with so much heart.”
He is about to start filming his third series, in which his character will learn more about his past and will continue to get to know the bishop’s daughter, Meg.
Meanwhile, the chief superintendent comes to Geordie with an offer that could also mean an end to his crime-solving partnership with the village vicar.
ITVPolly Hill, ITV’s director of drama and Callum Dziedzic, drama commissioner at ITV said: “It’s rare to create a series with such enduring warmth, wit, and heart, as Daisy, Emma, and the brilliant team have done with Grantchester.
“This final series marks the end of a golden chapter for ITV drama, and we know audiences will treasure this last summer in Grantchester as much as we will.”
The show began in 2014 and averaged 6.6m viewers in its first series, which was set in the 1950s.
Filming on the final series will being shortly, but ITV has yet to confirm when the 10th series will be screened.