ITV has just dropped the bombshell that Grantchester will be wrapping up with its eleventh series, leaving fans across the nation heartbroken.
The much-loved 1950s-set crime drama first captured our hearts in 2014, and while we’re all eagerly awaiting season 10, the news has broken that it will be followed by one final run.
The end of an era is upon us as filming for the last ever series kicks off this month, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 11-year journey.
It will see Robson Green return as Geordie with Rishi Nair as Alphy, Al Weaver as Leonard Finch, Tessa Peake-Jones as Mrs. C, Kacey Ainsworth as Cathy Keating, Oliver Dimsdale as Daniel Marlowe, Nick Brimble as Jack Chapman, Bradley Hall as DC Larry Peters and Melissa Johns as Miss Scott.
Fans have been left “sobbing”, though they’ve been promised that Geordie and Alphy will be “going out with a bang”.
“I feel like I’m going to cry when it ends. I love the characters on this show,” lamented one viewer, while another despaired: “Final…..nooooooooo.”
“Say it isn’t so,” pleaded another fan.
“This always happens to the best shows,” remarked one viewer, echoing the sentiments of many who are already “sobbing” at the thought of the final goodbye.
Daisy Coulam, writer, series creator and executive producer, said: “At its heart, Grantchester is a show about the power of friendship and love. We’ve been so lucky over the last 11 series to experience that on and off screen.
“For over a decade now – cast and crew (many who’ve been there since the beginning) have met each Summer to film. And it’s been an absolute joy.
“Thank you to James Runcie for entrusting us with his characters. Thank you to the lovely people of real Grantchester. Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of the show in any way – big or small. I’ll miss you terribly.”
Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Executive Producer for Kudos, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be returning for another series of Grantchester adventures.
“After eleven incredible series, and the most wonderful experiences with a fantastic cast and crew, we have decided to bid a very fond farewell to our favourite crime fighting duo.
“Audiences are in for the most ambitious and thrilling series yet – Geordie and Alphy are going out with a bang!”
With the news of the final series, Robson shared: “From the very beginning, I have had the incredible fortune to be part of this extraordinary team of talented, passionate, and dedicated individuals who have become more than colleagues. They have become family.
“I have made friendships forged through shared laughter, challenges, and triumphs. The bonds we’ve formed extend far beyond the camera lens, and I know that they will endure long after the final scene within the Grantchester world has been filmed.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Emma Kingsman Lloyd and Daisy Coulam….from that very first day you gave me the extraordinary opportunity to be part of this experience It has been an honour to share in the magic of Grantchester, and I am forever grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the love that this journey has given me. I hope I made you proud.”
Rishi also commented: “It’s been the greatest honour to step into the world of Grantchester and be part of a show with so much heart. Over two seasons-and now as we begin filming our third-I’ve had the privilege of telling stories that mean so much to so many, and I’m deeply thankful for that.
“As we begin filming this final chapter, I do so with a full heart and endless gratitude-for the memories, the friendships, and the incredible journey we’ve shared. To the entire cast and crew-thank you for your unwavering support, love, and warmth that you all bring onto set every day. Working alongside you all, and more importantly getting to know you, has been a true privilege and joy.”
The new season will take place in the summer of 1963, and reveal Alphy learning more about his past as he comes to realize that there is a whole other life he could have led, making him question who he is and what he believes in.
The synopsis goes on to tease that Geordie is “positively brimming with bonhomie!”
“He’s learned to weather the storms of life and is enjoying a time of relative peace,” it adds.
He receives a “beguiling offer” that could be a chance to finally be in charge or an end to his crime solving days and partnership with Alphy.
“In Series 11 everyone will question the paths they are on, and some huge decisions will be made. This season will look at family, forgiveness, identity, and faith – big changes are coming to Grantchester…” ITV hinted.