The gripping ITV drama, Grace, is back for another series with Doctor Who and Life on Mars star John Simm reprising his role as DS Roy Grace. The character, from Peter James’s popular crime novels, is trying to move on in the fourth season after being haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his first wife, Sandy (played by Clare Calbraith).
He has found new love with Cleo (Zoe Tapper), who is now expecting their child. However, Sandy’s return in the third season makes his fresh start more challenging than he anticipated.
Richie Campbell has also returned to the crime drama as DS Glenn Branson, alongside Line of Duty’s Craig Parkinson as DS Norman Potting. But Parkinson, 48, has confirmed that this will be his final series of Grace.
The actor announced on Instagram last month that he would be retiring his detective coat after the current season. In a statement, he wrote: “After a very happy few years I’ve made the decision to hand in Norman Potting’s detective badge.
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“The new season of Grace begins on ITV on 1st September but it will also be my last. It’s been a wonderful experience taking this character from page to screen and updating him for a new audience,” reports the Express.
“There was a huge sense of responsibility in portraying such a character from Peter James’s much-loved book series, but with a few tweaks here and there from our excellent script team and the support from Peter. I’m really glad that he resonated with the audience.”
The star, famed for roles in Doctor Who and Renegade Nell, expressed his gratitude towards fellow cast members Simm, Richie Campbell, Brad Morrison, Zoe Tapper, and Laura Elphinstone, as well as the “brilliant” crew working their magic off-camera.
He continued: “It’s been a wonderful journey playing Norman Potting, chasing around the streets of Brighton and dangling bad guys off Brighton Pier. I really hope you enjoy this season, it’s been a blast.
“Massive thanks to everyone that’s watched, supported and also those that have said hello when we’ve been filming around Brighton and Hove. New Grace season for you, last one for me. Really hope you enjoy.” (sic).
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Parkinson’s acting portfolio includes Temple, Everything I Know About Love, The English Game, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, and The Winter King.
Off-screen, Craig was married to Northern Irish actress Susan Lynch for 12 years. She’s known to telly buffs as Alison Garrs in Happy Valley, Liz Baildon in Unforgotten’s fourth series, and Miss Lawton in the inaugural Downton Abbey movie.
Susan, 53, also starred as DCI Heather Pentland in BBC One’s Bloodlands’ first run. The duo are parents to an eleven-year-old son named Hardy.
Grace currently airs every Sunday on ITV1 and ITVX
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
