Tom Brittney, star of the hit ITV series Grantchester, has opened up about his decision to leave the show, stating "it's time" for him to move on.

The 34-year-old actor has portrayed Reverend Will Davenport since 2019, stepping into the lead role previously held by James Norton's Sidney Chambers. However, it was announced last year that Tom would be departing from the series.

As the ninth season graces our screens, Tom will step aside to make way for Hollyoaks actor Rishi Nair, who will take on the role of the charming vicar, Alphy Kottaram. Speaking about his departure, Tom admitted it was time to hand over the reins.

He told ITV: "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. I'll miss it more than anything.

"But it's time for the baton to be passed, as it once was to me, and I'm so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family."

During a recent press conference, Tom revealed the difficulty of his decision, saying: "It was one of the hardest decisions of my life," as he joined fellow cast members for a Q&A session.

He added: "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," reports .

Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Executive Producer for Kudos, expressed her sentiments on Tom Brittney's departure from the show, stating that he will be greatly missed. Speaking to ITV, she said: "It's the end of an era as we say an emotional farewell to Tom Brittney."

She praised his exceptional performance over the past five series and assured audiences that they can anticipate a thrilling new chapter with Rishi Nair joining the cast.

She described Alphy Kottaram, Nair's character, as charismatic and witty, capable of giving Geordie a run for his money, and predicted that viewers would embrace the new addition.

In the same vein, Susanne Simpson, Masterpiece Executive Producer, admitted it was difficult to bid farewell to Tom Brittney, who had become a cherished part of the Grantchester ensemble. However, she reassured fans of MASTERPIECE and the show's dedicated audience that Rishi Nair's portrayal of Alphy Kottaram is outstanding, and she is confident that the character will quickly win over fans.

Granchester Season 9 will air Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 9pm on ITV1