Grantchester star Tom Brittney recently announced that series nine of ITV programme will be his final outing as Reverend Will Davenport – but what is he up to next?
The actor, 32, who took over from James Norton as the leading star in 2019, is set to appear in a Hollywood movie full of big A-List names; Netflix's upcoming action-comedy movie, Back In Action.
Tom confirmed the exciting news on his Instagram back in March when he shared a photo from the film studios. In the snap, the 32-year-old can be seen smiling for a selfie while standing in front of a sign that reads: "Netflix at Shepperton Studios". In the caption, he wrote: "That's a wrap," alongside the hashtag: "#backinaction."
The new movie boasts a star-studded cast, including Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx, as well as Kyle Chandler, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott and Jamie Demetriou.
Why is Tom Brittney leaving Grantchester?
But it's bittersweet for fans because his focus on other projects means he will be stepping down from playing Will in the period drama. In a statement released by ITV this week, it was confirmed that season nine, which is currently in production, will be his last as he prepares to further his career and work on other projects.
MORE: Grantchester star reveals future of ITV drama ahead of season eight premiere
MORE: Robson Green's first-ever TV appearance revealed in unearthed video
What has Tom Brittney said about leaving Grantchester?
Tom shared a statement about his exit from the ITV series. "I've had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years," he began, adding: "I got to solve crimes with my best friend and work with the best cast and crew I could ever ask for.
"I'll miss it more than anything. But it's time for the baton to be passed, as it once was to me, and I'm so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family."
Who is replacing Tom Brittney in Grantchester?
Replacing Tom in the leading role to star alongside Robson Green's Geordie Keating is Rishi Nair. Rishi, 32, is perhaps best known for starring as Sami in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, but he's also had roles in titles such as ITV's Count Abdulla, Netflix's Treason and Whitstable Pearl.
The actor will playing the "charismatic new vicar", Alphy Kotteram. On joining the popular period drama, Rishi said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Grantchester. The welcome and support I've received from everyone has been overwhelming."
He added: "I'm really excited to get started and cannot wait for the Grantchester fans to meet Alphy and to see all that's in store for him."
What else has Tom Brittney starred in?
It seems Tom's acting career is on an upwards trajectory. In addition to his part in Grantchester, and his upcoming role in Back in Action, he's appeared in other movies such as Apple TV+ film Greyhound, which starred Tom Hanks, Netflix's Heartstrings, and BBC film Make Me Famous. We predict big things ahead for Tom!