The actress has played Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman since the crime drama began on BBC One in 2003 and will film her final scenes next summer.

Redman told The Mirror: “I love New Tricks and I have loved playing Sandra – I’ve got some gritty plotlines – but I feel I have to try something new. And that is why I’ve decided I am going to film a further eight episodes and then I’ll leave. The time’s come. After a while, there is a danger of things getting stale.”

Following the conclusion of Series 8, New Tricks was recommissioned last September for two new series, each comprised of 10 episodes.

Denis Lawson (Marchlands) was announced in January as James Bolam’s replacement. The former Holby City star will play retired Detective Inspector Steve McAllister, described as “the antithesis of Brian Lane’s eternal pessimism”.

Series 9 of New Tricks begins at 9pm on Monday 27th August on BBC One.

Do you think New Tricks can continue without Amanda Redman? Let us know below…

> Buy the Series 8 boxset on Amazon.

Watch the show’s opening titles…