Grantchester Cast Returns for Penultimate Season: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction: Why Grantchester Cast Matters to Fans
The beloved British crime drama Grantchester is returning to ITV1 on 7 January 2026 for its tenth series, marking a significant milestone for the show that has captivated audiences since 2014. ITV announced in May 2024 that Series 10 would be the penultimate series, with Series 11 scheduled to air in early 2027 as the final chapter. For devoted fans, understanding who’s returning and which new faces are joining makes this season particularly important as the show approaches its conclusion.
Returning Cast Members Lead Season 10
Robson Green returns as DI Geordie Keating alongside Rishi Nair as Reverend Alphy Kotteram, continuing the crime-solving partnership that has become central to the series. Other favourites returning include Al Weaver as Leonard Finch, Tessa Peake-Jones as Mrs Chapman, Kacey Ainsworth as Cathy Keating, and Nick Brimble as Jack Chapman. Oliver Dimsdale is expected to return as Daniel Marlowe, along with Bradley Hall as Larry Peters, and Melissa Johns as Miss Scott.
Major Cast Changes and New Additions
In 2023, ITV announced that Series 9 would be Tom Brittney’s last, with former Hollyoaks actor Rishi Nair replacing him in the role of Alphy Kotteram. Alphy is the third vicar to lead Grantchester, introduced midway through Season 9 after Tom Brittney’s exit, and initially reluctant to investigate crimes before forming a strong partnership with Geordie Keating. New to the cast this season is Christie Russell-Brown, who plays Meg Grey, a university librarian who catches Alphy’s eye.
What to Expect: Season 10 Storylines
Robson Green and Rishi Nair have teased a powerful storyline involving a long-buried secret that threatens not only Geordie and Alphy’s bond, but the wider ‘family of Grantchester’ itself. Rishi Nair revealed that season 10 will see his character Reverend Alphy Kotteram pushed to his limits in an emotionally charged journey. The show is set to be broadcast on ITV1 from 7 January at 9pm, following the new soap power hour, with all eight episodes available on ITVX for fans eager to binge-watch.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Grantchester’s Ensemble
As Grantchester enters its penultimate season, the cast remains the heart of this cosy crime drama. The British ITV detective drama set in the 1950s Cambridgeshire village features vicars who develop a sideline in sleuthing with Detective Inspector Geordie Keating, played by Robson Green. With strong performances from both long-standing and new cast members, Season 10 promises to deliver the warmth, mystery, and compelling character dynamics that have made the show a success for over a decade. For viewers preparing to say goodbye after Season 11, this penultimate chapter offers a chance to savour the ensemble one more time.