Grantchester series 9 sees the departure of popular character Reverend Will Davenport, who is replaced with newcomer Alphy Kotteram - but why did actor Tom Brittney leave, and who is Rishi Nair?

The latest series of the detective drama shows a wounded DI Geordie Keating coming to terms with his sidekick's decision to leave Grantchester... But he's not too dispirited for long - fickle thing - because he soon has a shiny new toy to play with.

Here's everything you need to know about the changes in Grantchester series 9, including why Tom Brittney decided to leave, and replacement Rishi Nair.

***Warning: contains minor spoilers from Grantchester series 9***

Why did Tom Brittney leave Grantchester?

In the latest series of the detective drama set and filmed in Grantchester, DI Geordie Keating says a sad farewell to his pal and fellow sleuth, the Reverend Will Davenport.

Actor Tom Brittney, 34, announced his decision to leave the show for pastures new way back in 2023.

At the time, he said: "I've had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years. I got to solve crimes with my best friend, and work with the best cast and crew I could ever ask for."

He added: "I'll miss it more than anything. But it's time for the baton to be passed, as it once was to me [by James Norton], and I'm so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family."

Tom also admitted that leaving the role had been his "hardest decision". He said: "I've spent five or six years, and the happiest years of my career doing Grantchester and playing a character which just had so much depth and complexity and it was just a happy place."

The Gravesend-born actor joined the cast of Grantchester series 4 in 2019. He replaced Playing Nice actor James Norton, who portrayed Sidney Chambers.

What is Tom Brittney doing now?

Since Tom finished filming his Grantchester episodes, he's already been pretty busy with new projects.

He's played the role of Gary in a short film called Tanner's Field, which also stars The Wives actress Katie Clarkson-Hill.

Tom also won a role in the film Black Box (Flight 298). The movie follows the Vero Airlines Flight 298 from New Orleans to Seattle, which becomes the centre of a chilling supernatural mystery.

He will also play Dylan in the Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx comedy film Back in Action, which is due out in January 2025.

What happened to Reverend Will Davenport?

Grantchester series 9 is set in 1961, and it's a time of much change. As the latest episodes begin, Will considers new challenges elsewhere after he's "approached with a life changing offer".

The Reverend Will Davenport subsequently makes the decision to leave the village - and a heartbroken Geordie behind - after taking on a new role in Newcastle. Wanting to make a real difference, he bade an emotional farewell to his friends after several years.

His wife Bonnie, played by Charlotte Ritchie, also left Grantchester, with their baby James George.

Who is the new vicar in Grantchester 2025?

In Grantchester series 9 episode 3, Rishi Nair's Alphy Kotteram makes QUITE the entrance. Reader, if you're offended by topless vicars, look away now.

At first, Alphy is reluctant to get involved with murder investigations. He has a "mistrust for authority and does not want to be involved with the police" However, it turns out he's got much more in common with Geordie than he expects.

Production company boss Emma Kingsman-Lloyd said: "Alphy Kotteram is charismatic, witty and will give Geordie a run for his money. I think the audience will love our new addition."

A synopsis from ITV says: "It's not long before Alphy Kottaram makes his arrival as the new vicar, enchanted by the village and remarkably gallant about his rocky welcome. Will the locals ever be able to accept him as one of their own?"

Rishi himself said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Grantchester. The welcome and support I've received from everyone has been overwhelming. The success of the show and the reason we are here for a ninth season is a testament to all the people that have previously worked on it."

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."

Who is Alphy Kotteram actor Rishi Nair?

London-born actor Rishi Nair joins the cast as charismatic and witty vicar, Alphy Kotteram, who replaces the departing Reverend Will Davenport.

Of course, soap fans will know Rishi as Maalik in Hollyoaks, a role he played from 2017 to 2021.

Rishi, 33, is also famous for playing Maajid in Count Abdulla, Adnan in Whitstable Pearl, and Shamil Malik in The Marlow Murder Club.

He's already committed to a series 10 of Grantchester, too.

Grantchester series 9 lands on ITV1 at 9pm on Wednesday, January 08, 2025.