BEHIND THE SCENES WITH best ‘Sidney and Amanda are living in denial’

Tell us about series three of Grantchester…

If you described the show to someone who hadn’t seen it, you might assume it simply had that cosy, nostalgic crime story feel. But it is so much more. It has so many layers, and is much richer, deeper and darker than that. They don’t shy away from the issues of the time.

How are Sidney and Amanda when we return?

Amanda is no longer with her husband, and is living in a little cottage near the church with her baby, Grace. She and Sidney are living like teenagers – stealing kisses behind the church and sneaking out for jazz nights. It was really lovely to have a bit of fun with Morven, go dancing, listen to some jazz and act like loved-up teenagers. But they are living in denial – if Amanda divorces Guy she can’t marry Sidney, and she can’t have a relationship with Sidney unless he leaves the church.

Is it true that your parents were roped in as extras?

Yes, it is. My dad is a regular, but we’ve never been able to persuade my mum – until now. She is in this series as a guest at a policeman’s ball. She was slightly terrified at how much she looked like my granny when she got a proper perm on!

You’re now a well-known face. How do you keep your feet on the ground?

Fortunately I have my family