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 Detective Inspector Geordie Keating in the hit ITV drama and jumped into the action when filming began on the ninth series.

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

Still, Tom – who has 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 and sported an unshaven look, complete with a dark baseball cap and casual hoodie.

Comeback: Tom Brittney – who has 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 at its launch in 2014.

Four years later he handed over the reins to Tom.

When he quit, Tom explained, “I’ve had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport over the last five years. I get 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 for me, and I’m so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family.”

Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, executive producer of production company Kudos, described Tom’s departure as ‘the end of an era’ and the cast will prepare for an emotional farewell.

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 Geordies a run for their money. I think the audience will love our new addition.”

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

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

Advice? Tom was seen walking with his arm around Robson as filming began for the ITV mystery series

During his casting, Rishi was enthusiastic about the ‘support’ he received from the cast and crew.

He said: “The welcome and support I have received from everyone has been overwhelming.

“The success of the show and the reason we’re here for a ninth season is a testament to all the people who worked on it before.”

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

Fan favorite: Tom took on the role of Pastor Will Davenport in 2019, starring alongside Robson who plays Inspector Geordie Keeting in the 1950s detective drama