EXCLUSIVE: Hollywood star James Norton has sparked speculation that he’s making an epic return to Grantchester for its final series, six years after leaving the ITV crime drama
Hollywood hunk James Norton has made a sensational return to Grantchester.
The Daily Star can reveal the TV star was back on the set of the crime drama last week. While scenes were being shot on location in Cambridge, he was seen chatting with show favourite Rishi Nair, who plays Reverend Alpheus “Alphy” Kotteram.
James making an appearance on set has sparked speculation he is reprising his role as clergyman Sidney Chambers for the show’s final series. It’s been six years since he quit to focus on other projects and fans have been desperate for him to return.
The Hollywood star was sporting a pink baseball cap and a green shirt he reunited with his former castmates. He also hugged Al Weaver, who has played Leonard Finch in the series.
A TV insider said: “It looks like James will be involved in the last series of Grantchester. If he’s reprising his role, it will go down a storm with fans.
“James is now one of the biggest stars on TV so having him back on the show would be a big draw for viewers. Ratings would go through the roof.”
Grantchester is ending with its 11th run despite being a ratings smash for ITV. Fans were devastated when the news was announced last month.
Star Robson Green, who has played DI Geordie Keating since it started in 2014, paid tribute to his co-stars. He said: “I have had the incredible fortune to be part of this extraordinary team of talented, passionate, and dedicated individuals who have become more than colleagues. They have become family.
“I have made friendships forged through shared laughter, challenges, and triumphs. The bonds we’ve formed extend far beyond the camera lens, and I know that they will endure long after the final scene within the Grantchester world has been filmed.”
Green said it had “been an honour to share in the magic of Grantchester” and that he was “forever grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the love”. Emma Kingsman Lloyd [executive producer] and Daisy Coulam [writer and series creator], from that very first day you gave me the extraordinary opportunity to be part of this experience.”
Nair said: “It’s been the greatest honour to step into the world of Grantchester and be part of a show with so much heart.” Robson will be back for the final series alongside co-stars including Tessa Peake-Jones and Kacey Ainsworth.
Polly Hill, ITV’s director of drama and Callum Dziedzic, drama commissioner at ITV said: “It’s rare to create a series with such enduring warmth, wit, and heart, as Daisy, Emma, and the brilliant team have done with Grantchester.
“This final series marks the end of a golden chapter for ITV drama, and we know audiences will treasure this last summer in Grantchester as much as we will.”
Grantchester follows Green and Nair who help to solve crimes in the village near Cambridge. The show is based on the novels of James Runcie.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
