Peter Davison to guest star in series 3
ITV has confirmed there will be a 90-minute Christmas special of Grantchester over the 2016 festive season.
ITV confirmed the news as filming begins on the special and the new six-part third series, starring James Norton and Robson Green, who play unlikely 1950s crime fighting duo, Vicar Sidney Chambers and Police Inspector Geordie Keaton.
Based on The Grantchester Mysteries by James Runcie, the crime drama also sees the return of Tessa Peake-Jones as Sidney’s sharp tongued housekeeper Mrs Maguire; Morven Christie reprises her role as Sidney’s forbidden lover Amanda; Al Weaver as the timid curate Leonard Finch; Kacey Ainsworth returns as Geordie’s long suffering wife Cathy and Lorne MacFadyen returns as DC Phil Wilkinson.
Co-produced by Kudos and Masterpiece, The first ever Christmas Special of Grantchester will see pregnant Amanda adjusting to life having left her husband, Guy (Tom Austen). The love between Sidney and Amanda is palpable, but can a vicar in the 1950s really be romantically involved with a married, pregnant woman? Viewers can expect a festive, snow-filled Christmas episode full of emotion and drama.
In the third series of Grantchester new Archdeacon Gabriel Atubo reminds Sidney that as clergyman he must put duty above his own needs and lead by example. Given the strength of his feelings for Amanda, is this something that Sidney can do?
On the face of it, Geordie is still happily married to Cathy. But there continues to be an undeniable spark between himself and feisty police secretary Margaret (Seline Hizli).
Leonard was left heartbroken after Daniel (Oliver Dimsdale) left him for another man, but in this series he appears to put this behind him and find romantic happiness with someone else. But will those around him allow him this happiness?
Mrs Maguire’s friendship with dashing Jack (Nick Brimble) develops, but can anyone ever replace her late husband Ronnie?
Peter Davison will guest star in the new series as Geoff Towler, the village solicitor, captain of the cricket team and a man who rules his family with a rod of iron.
The lead writer is Daisy Coulam (EastEnders, Death In Paradise), with John Jackson (Being Human, Grantchester), Oliver Frampton (Life of Crime, Fleming) and Jess Williams (Inspector George Gently, Call The Midwife) also writing for the third series. Tim Fywell (Masters of Sex), Rebecca Gatward (Casualty), Rob Evans (Mr Selfridge) and Ed Bennett (Musketeers) will direct.
Kudos’ chief executive and executive producer, Diederick Santer, said: “Grantchester continues to be a delight to make and I hope will continue to delight the viewer. To be bringing to the audience a third series AND a very special Christmas episode is a particular thrill, and we can’t wait to be pouring snow onto the East Anglian Fens.”
ITV’s Controller of Drama Victoria Fea, said: “Viewers have really taken Grantchester to their hearts. We’re really excited to commission not only a third series, but also a Christmas special. The village of Grantchester is always beautiful, but to add a festive touch will be absolutely wonderful!”
Grantchester Series 3 and the Christmas special will be filmed in Grantchester, Cambridge and London. Series 3 will air on ITV in 2017.
