The third season of Grantchester will begin filming shortly in Grantchester, Cambridge and London.
James Norton and Robson Green will return as crime-fighting clergyman Sidney Chambers and Detective Inspector Geordie Keating in six new episodes and a Christmas special of the 1950s-set drama.
The show’s first ever festive episode will see pregnant Amanda adjusting to life having left her husband, Guy (Tom Austen). The love between Sidney and Amanda is palpable, but can a vicar in the 1950s really be romantically involved with a married, pregnant woman?
The snow-filled 90-minute special will apparently be “full of emotion and drama.”
Based on The Grantchester Mysteries by James Runcie and adapted by writer Daisy Coulam, Grantchester launched in October 2014 and Season 2 concluded in April.
Buy Season 1 on DVD on Amazon here.
Doctor Who actor Peter Davison, who played the Fifth Doctor, will guest star in the new season as Geoff Towler. His character is described as “the village solicitor, captain of the cricket team and a man who rules his family with a rod of iron.”
Tessa Peake-Jones will return as Sidney’s sharp tongued housekeeper Mrs Maguire, alongside Morven Christie as Sidney’s forbidden lover Amanda, Al Weaver as the timid curate Leonard Finch, Kacey Ainsworth as Geordie’s long suffering wife Cathy and Lorne MacFadyen as DC Phil Wilkinson.
The official synopsis reads: “In the third series of Grantchester new Archdeacon Gabriel Atubo reminds Sidney that as clergyman he must put duty above his own needs and lead by example. Given the strength of his feelings for Amanda, is this something that Sidney can do?
“On the face of it, Geordie is still happily married to Cathy. But there continues to be an undeniable spark between himself and feisty police secretary Margaret (Seline Hizli).
“Leonard was left heartbroken after Daniel (Oliver Dimsdale) left him for another man, but in this series he appears to put this behind him and find romantic happiness with someone else. But will those around him allow him this happiness?
“Mrs Maguire’s friendship with dashing Jack (Nick Brimble) develops, but can anyone ever replace her late husband Ronnie?”
Exec Diederick Santer commented: “Grantchester continues to be a delight to make and I hope will continue to delight the viewer. To be bringing to the audience a third series AND a very special Christmas episode is a particular thrill, and we can’t wait to be pouring snow onto the East Anglian Fens.”
ITV’s Controller of Drama Victoria Fea added: “Viewers have really taken Grantchester to their hearts. We’re really excited to commission not only a third series, but also a Christmas special. The village of Grantchester is always beautiful, but to add a festive touch will be absolutely wonderful!”
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