Tom Brittney has spoken of his devastation upon discovering that ITV's beloved detective series Grantchester would conclude following its forthcoming 11th season.
The 35-year-old actor, who portrayed Reverend Will Davenport across six seasons before departing in 2024, revealed his emotional response to the news in a recent interview, confessing his "heartbreak".
"Oh, I was both heartbroken, in the sense of like, it was one of the longest-running shows I think that ITV had had in that way," Mr Brittney said.
The cosy crime drama, adapted from James Runcie's novel collection, first appeared on screens in 2014 and has followed the partnership between a Cambridgeshire vicar and police detective for over a decade.
Mr Brittney played Reverend Will Davenport for six years
|ITV
ITV confirmed the show's conclusion in July 2025.
Despite his sadness, Mr Brittney expressed immense pride in what the production team achieved following James Norton's exit after the fourth season.
Mr Norton played the role of Reverend Sidney Chambers.
The actor recalled that producers had modest expectations when seeking his replacement, telling Radio Times: "I know after James Norton left, they were like, 'We'll try and get a new guy, it'll probably fail, but we'll try it,' and so there's no pressure on me to try and keep it going."
The star said he was 'heartbroken' to hear the news
|ITV
"And then luckily, it did, and I did six wonderful series of that, and I loved it," Mr Brittney reflected. "It will always be a special place in my heart."
The actor, who also took on directing duties during his tenure, cherishes only positive memories from his time as the fan-favourite character.
Mr Brittney also had warm words for Rishi Nair, who stepped into the vicar role as Reverend Alphy Kotteram during the ninth season.
Having worked with Nair behind the camera as well as in front of it, Mr Brittney offered a glowing assessment of his successor.
The actor has said he will have memories of working on the show forever
|ITV
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
"And then Rishi taking over - I thought he was just brilliant, and I got to direct him a bit as well, which was just fascinating, seeing the person in your old job and going, 'I used to do this,'" he explained.
The experience of guiding someone through a part he once inhabited proved particularly meaningful for the actor.
Mr Brittney credited Mr Nair with steering the programme towards a fitting conclusion, stating: "But he carried the show to a beautiful ending."
The emotional farewell extended beyond words, with Mr Brittney attending the production's wrap party at the close of last year to bid a proper goodbye.
The star talked fondly of his co-worker
|ITV
"I was actually at the wrap party at the end of last year to say goodbye, and me, James, and Rishi were all there, and it was a beautiful goodbye to a beautiful show that I think people will always remember fondly," he shared.
Robson Green, who portrayed DI Geordie Keating throughout the entire run, also reflected on the programme's significance, describing his fellow cast and crew as family rather than mere colleagues.
"The bonds we've formed extend far beyond the camera lens, and I know that they will endure long after the final scene," Mr Green said.
The 11th and final season has already begun airing on PBS in America, with UK viewers expected to see it on ITV in 2027.