Father Brown star Nancy Carroll's reduced role as Lady Felicia explained

Nancy Carroll is known and loved by Father Brown fans for her role as glamorous socialite Lady Felicia in the hit BBC drama. 

Nancy, 52, famed for her glittering stage career as well as roles in Murder in Provence and The Crown, has appeared on the show since the very first episode. But fans might have noticed Lady Felicia hasn't appeared in every episode. Here's all we know…

© BBC Studios/Olly Courtney

Nancy's reduced role in Father Brown

From series one to four, Nancy was a regular on the show. Since then, the actress has appeared in either one or two episodes of each season.

In series five, Lady Felicia's husband, the Earl of Montague, was appointed Governor of Northern Rhodesia. As a result, the pair leave England, with Lady Felicia leaving her niece, Bunty Windermere, in the care of Father Brown. 

© BBC Studios/Gary Moyes

Lady Felicia returns from Northern Rhodesia in season six and visits Kembleford while her husband is in London. The episode, titled 'The Face of the Enemy', sees Felicia blackmailed by MI5 agent Daniel Whittaker over her affair with Benedict Northam, who Whittaker says is a Soviet agent.

© Photo: ITV

Since then, Nancy has appeared in one or two episodes per season. While the reason for this isn't known, Lady Felicia's relocation to Africa could be an explanation. Plus, Nancy has appeared in a number of other TV shows since season four, including The Crown, Agatha Raisin and Murder in Provence.

Nancy's role in series 12

Nancy reprised her role in episodes eight and ten of the new series, which began airing in January. 

© BBC Studios/Olly Courtney

Taking to Instagram as the new series aired, Nancy shared a series of photos and a behind-the-scenes video from filming. "@bbciplayer #fatherbrown series 12 now available!!!!" began the actress. "Organ playing by the brilliant and magical #debbiewiseman who has composed all the series music since series 1!!!!!! Here she is in the church in Blockley playing her own Father Brown theme tune!!!! She is a superwoman!!!! Completely awesome. So lovely to work with such a wonderful bunch of cast and crew. Thank you."

Fans were pleased to see Lady Felicia back on their screens and praised the star's performance. One person penned: "It's great to have Lady Felicia back #FatherBrown," while another added: "I love it when you pop by for episodes. Your character is one of if not my most favourite. She is the embodiment of all the attributes you'd want in a fiercely devoted friend. You play her so well."

Father Brown is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.