Farewells in series 4
GRANTCHESTER: JAMES NORTON OUT, TOM BRITTNEY IN
New themes and characters – but it works out well.
The popular detective series Grantchester returns to ITV Choice this month for a fourth series. Robson Green (Geordie Keating) is also back.
The hugely successful drama follows charismatic, jazz-loving clergyman and former Scots Guards officer Sidney Chambers (James Norton, now out) and Detective Inspector Keating (Green) who form a strange alliance to solve crimes. In this season, viewers will be introduced to new cast member Tom Brittney, who plays new vicar Will Davenport.
Robson talks about his co-stars and how he will miss co-star Norton.
What are some of the themes in this new series of Grantchester?
It’s about new energy. Things moving forward and progress. Geordie is stuck in time and wants to go back to how it was, but everybody else is moving with the times. We all sat down towards the end of filming and agreed this is the best series of Grantchester yet, for many reasons. This fourth series just got stronger and stronger.
We have the very powerful storyline of James Norton leaving as Sidney Chambers. There wasn’t a dry eye on set when we shot the final scene with James and I.
Then you have this new energy coming in with Tom Brittney as Will Davenport so eventually you have this new relationship between Geordie and Will.
Tom just eased his way in and the transition was painless.
Obviously it is sad to see James go, but Tom’s arrival brings a different and fresh energy to the series. He enthused everyone both in front of the camera and behind and that was really reassuring.
What was it like working with Tom Brittney?
He never really told me how he felt until the end. We hugged and I told him “You totally nailed it. Well done.” And he went, “I’ve never been so scared in all my life.” Bless him.
Of course he was scared, because you’re stepping into an established show, replacing a character who everyone loves and cares for and is a massive part of the show.
So what a responsibility to come in and somehow take over and change it for the better, but that’s what he has done. What a challenge, and Tom did it.
How was it filming your final scene with James Norton?
I’d never seen the director Tim Fywell so emotional in terms of being upset, but when we filmed my final scene with James, he was bawling his eyes out. It was much more than a goodbye to James. We are kindred spirits, James and I.
Saying goodbye to someone you’ve shared so much of your life with in such a short period of time is really intense. I love the man deeply. What a talent that young man is.
What is new for Geordie in this series?
Geordie is in a new police station with new colleagues. Felix Scott, who I’ve worked with before, plays Sean Donovan, with Bradley Hall as Larry Peters. That’s yet more new energy coming in. Everything is changing and Geordie initially wants to go back to how it was, because he understands, in his own mind, that’s when times were good. He wants that same feeling as he had when he was as one with Sidney. That’s not how the world works. Everything moves forward. Geordie blames Elvis Presley for broken Britain in the 1950s, corrupting the minds of everyone. In Will he sees the youth of today who he disagrees with. But Geordie knows people will tell Will things and reveal secrets to him. It is a great tool for a de- tective like Geordie to use. Geordie gets a new suit in this series but you’ll have to wait and see how long it lasts.
Leonard (Al Weaver) and Daniel (Oliver Dimsdale) have to lead a secret life because homosexuality was illegal in the ’50s. How does Geordie view them?
There were avenues for the upper class and the well-off with gathering places, but all in secret. Most of the men, in order to function in top jobs or with high titles, were married.
It was a joy having a lot of scenes with Al Weaver because he is such a fine actor. He really has grabbed hold of that character and plays Leonard in such an emotional, endearing, unique and likeable way.
And if Leonard and Daniel were in harm’s way Geordie would be there to protect them. Geordie continuing to socialise with liberal-minded, open-minded and progressive people will make him a better person.
Geordie is becoming liberated, unbeknown to himself.
You are incredibly busy both as an actor and presenter and yet appear to have a very happy, balanced life. How do you manage that?
I’ve had the young parts, I’ve had the romantic leads and now it’s dads, and it’ll be grandads soon. But as long as I keep fit, I can still maintain the dad roles for another few years!