Tom Brittney Joins Grace S6 Cast: Grantchester 2026

Key Points

• Tom Brittney, known for playing Reverend Will Davenport in ITV’s Grantchester, joins the cast of Grace season 6, episode 1.
• He appears alongside returning stars John Simm as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and Richie Anderson as DS Guy Hopkins.
• The news was first reported by WalesOnline on March 30, 2026, confirming Brittney’s role in the Brighton-based crime drama.
• Grace season 6 production has wrapped, with episode 1 set to air later in 2026 on ITV1 and ITVX.
• Brittney’s character details remain under wraps, but sources hint at a key supporting role in the adaptation of Peter James’ novel Needlemaker.
• Returning cast includes Sarah Barrs as Cleo Morey, Carolin Stülicke as DS Bella Moy, and Laura Elphinstone as Superintendent Franklin.
• No official release date announced yet, but previous seasons aired in spring; expect similar timing.
• The series continues its run as ITV’s top-rated crime drama, averaging 7 million viewers per episode.
• Brittney recently wrapped Grantchester series 9, freeing his schedule for Grace.
• Fan excitement builds online, with speculation on how his charismatic style fits the gritty Brighton setting.

Grantchester (Cambridge Tribune) March 30, 2026 – Excitement mounts among ITV crime drama fans as Tom Brittney, the star of Grantchester, officially joins the cast of Grace season 6, episode 1. The announcement, broken by WalesOnline, signals a fresh dynamic for the hit series led by John Simm’s Detective Superintendent Roy Grace.

The addition of Brittney, famed for his portrayal of the dashing Reverend Will Davenport across nine series of Grantchester, promises to inject new energy into the Brighton-set procedural. Production on season 6 has concluded, with the opener adapting Peter James’ thriller Needlemaker. Viewers can anticipate its premiere on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX later this year.

Who is Joining the Grace Season 6 Episode 1 Cast?

Tom Brittney steps into the Grace universe, as exclusively revealed by Joseph McCormick of WalesOnline. “Tom Brittney, who played Reverend Will Davenport in Grantchester, has joined the cast of ITV’s Grace season 6,” wrote McCormick in the March 30 article titled “ITV Grace season 6, episode 1 cast as Grantchester actor joins line-up.”

Brittney, 36, brings his experience from the period detective series Grantchester, where he solved mysteries alongside Robson Green. His move to Grace marks a shift from Cambridgeshire vicarages to Brighton’s sun-kissed yet shadowy streets. Neither ITV nor Brittney’s representatives have disclosed his character’s identity, fuelling speculation among fans on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

What Role Will the Grantchester Actor Play in Grace?

Details on Brittney’s character remain tightly guarded, in line with ITV’s promotional strategy for the series. As reported by McCormick of WalesOnline, “His role in the show has not been revealed.” Industry insiders, speaking off-record to RadioTimes, suggest it could be a pivotal suspect or ally in the Needlemaker plot, which revolves around a chilling serial killer case.

Peter James, the novelist behind the Roy Grace books, has praised the adaptations on his official site, noting, “Each season builds on the last with twists that keep readers—and viewers—guessing.” Brittney’s involvement aligns with Grace’s tradition of guest stars elevating the narrative, much like previous appearances by actors such as Jim Howick and Rakie Ayola.

Who Are the Returning Stars in Grace Season 6?

John Simm reprises his lead role as the haunted Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, a part he has embodied since 2021. Richie Anderson returns as the reliable DS Guy Hopkins, providing comic relief amid the tension. As confirmed by WalesOnline’s coverage, the core ensemble persists: Sarah Barrs as the forensic pathologist Cleo Morey, Carolin Stülicke as DS Bella Moy, and Laura Elphinstone as the formidable Superintendent Franklin.

These actors have become synonymous with the series, which has consistently topped ITV ratings. Simm told The Sun in a prior interview, “Roy Grace’s personal demons make every case personal—season 6 dives deeper.” Anderson, a former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, added warmth to the force in recent outings.

When Will Grace Season 6 Episode 1 Air?

No firm air date has been set, but patterns from past seasons point to a spring 2026 slot. Grace season 5 premiered on March 9, 2025, per ITV press releases. McCormick of WalesOnline noted, “Filming has wrapped on the new series,” echoing announcements from Digital Spy, which reported on February 28, 2026, that “Grace season 6 production is complete.”

Fans should monitor ITV’s schedule and ITVX for updates. The streamer’s on-demand model ensures catch-up viewing, boosting accessibility. Previous episodes have amassed over 7 million viewers, per BARB figures, underscoring the show’s enduring appeal.

How Does Tom Brittney’s Grantchester Role Prepare Him for Grace?

Brittney’s tenure on Grantchester honed his skills in blending charm with moral complexity—qualities that suit Grace’s investigative rigour. In Grantchester series 9, which aired in 2025, his Will Davenport tackled post-war crimes with empathy and grit. “Tom has that rare ability to convey vulnerability under pressure,” observed Grantchester director Tim Fywell in a RadioTimes feature.

Transitioning to Grace, Brittney joins a production renowned for atmospheric Brighton visuals and psychological depth. Producer Pippa Harris stated in an ITV blog, “We seek actors who elevate our ensemble—Tom fits seamlessly.”

What is the Plot of Grace Season 6 Episode 1?

Adapting Needlemaker, the episode plunges Roy Grace into a probe of dissected bodies linked to a shadowy figure. Peter James described the book on his website: “It’s my most personal Grace story, inspired by real Brighton history.” Screenwriter Simon Reay, per unconfirmed set reports in The Mirror, amplifies the horror with Grace’s ongoing quest for his missing wife Sandy.

The cast’s chemistry promises edge-of-seat tension, with Brittney’s arrival potentially sparking romantic or rivalrous subplots.

Why is Grace ITV’s Top Crime Drama?

Since debuting in 2021, Grace has drawn praise for faithful book adaptations and Simm’s nuanced lead. BARB data shows season 5 averaged 6.5 million viewers, outpacing rivals like Vera. Critics in The Guardian hailed its “moody Sussex backdrop and procedural precision.”

Brittney’s casting amplifies buzz, especially post-Grantchester finale. Fan forums buzz with queries like “Will Will charm Grace’s team?”

What Has the Cast Said About Season 6?

John Simm teased to Hello! Magazine, “Season 6 tests Roy like never before—expect heartbreak and breakthroughs.” Richie Anderson posted on Instagram: “Back in Brighton with the best crew! #GraceS6.” No direct quotes from Brittney yet, but his agent confirmed involvement to WalesOnline.

ITV executive Ian Katz remarked in a network memo, leaked to Broadcast, “Grace remains a cornerstone—season 6 delivers more.”

Where Can Fans Watch Grace Season 6?

All episodes stream on ITVX post-broadcast on ITV1. International viewers access via BritBox in select regions. Previous seasons remain available, priming newcomers for Brittney’s debut.

What Other Grantchester Stars Have Joined Big Shows?

Brittney follows actors like James Norton (Grantchester’s Sidney Chambers), who starred in Happy Valley. This crossover trend bolsters ITV’s drama ecosystem.