Grantchester is set to return for its tenth series. The beloved crime drama, which has captivated audiences for more than a decade, will see Robson Green and Rishi Nair return as DI Geordie Keating and Reverend Alphy Kottaram, continuing their partnership established in the previous series following Tom Brittney's departure.

ITV confirmed last year that series 11, which commenced production over the summer, will mark the final chapter of Grantchester. Nevertheless, viewers still have two complete series to enjoy before bidding farewell to the cherished programme, beginning with series 10.

The upcoming series will explore themes of family. Robson revealed: "It's all about the notion of family and what it means to us, and how you construct one when you've never had one. It's a really interesting theme. There are a lot of secrets and lies in series ten, and one of them stems from a scene in the ninth series when Alphy first sits down in a pub with Geordie and Geordie says, 'What's your secret, Alphy?' And Alphy says, I don't have one. I'm just a guy.'

"But Geordie doesn't believe him, and it all comes out this time. Alphy goes in search of his identity. That idea came from me having conversations with people I've known for decades who suddenly, out of the blue, have told me a big secret about their upbringing. And I always think, 'Wow, what does that do to you as a person?' I won't spoil it by saying more, but it's a big development for Alphy that opens up a Pandora's Box. And then Geordie meddles in Alphy's affairs when he shouldn't and that causes a row between them."

However, what time does Grantchester begin, who features in this year's cast and how many episodes will there be?

Grantchester makes its comeback to ITV1 and STV on Wednesday, 7 January. Audiences can watch at 9pm for the hour-long episode.

The synopsis for series 10 states: "As DI Geordie Keating (played by Robson Green) and Reverend Alphy Kottaram (Rishi Nair) continue to work together as a crime-solving duo in scenic Grantchester, they must also support each other through changing times, family struggles and personal secrets.

"Alphy feels like he's found a home, but he's forced to confront secrets he's kept close to his chest. Will he be able to let anyone fully in, or must he confront truths about himself first?".

Robson Green and Rishi Nair are set to reprise their roles as DI Geordie Keating and Reverend Alphy Kottaram respectively. Audiences will recognise Rishi, who succeeded Tom Brittney in the role, from his stint on Hollyoaks as Sami Maalik.

He has also featured in Whitstable Pearl and The Marlow Murder Club.

Reflecting on his return for the tenth series, Rishi expressed: "To be honest, I was just relieved that I didn't get the show cancelled single-handedly! I'd had big shoes to fill coming in after James Norton and Tom Brittney. I think people underestimate how scary it is.

"But I was also very excited to get back - I'd had such an amazing time filming series nine and working with such wonderful people who welcomed me so warmly that I felt like a part of the family very quickly. So being called back felt a bit like going back home again."

Joining Robson and Rishi will be a host of familiar faces, including 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.

The series comprises eight hour-long episodes, airing weekly on Wednesday evenings. Seasons one to nine of Grantchester are available for streaming on ITVX in the UK.

It's also worth noting that series 10 is the penultimate season, with ITV annnoucning last year that the season 11, which filmed in the summer, will be the last ever of Grantchester. You can read more on this here.

Grantchester returns to ITV1 and STV on Wednesday, January 7 with the series streaming on ITVX and STV Player.