ITV Grantchester fans all issued the same complaint on Wednesday night and noted they couldn’t get over Will Davenport’s departure weeks after the series returned.
The show welcomed former Hollyoaks star Rishi Nair as Alphy Kotteram, the latest crime-solving vicar to join the period drama.
As Geordie Keating (played by Robson Green) and Alphy begin to develop their investigative partnership, viewers have continued to express their attachment to Will’s character.
Tom Brittney revealed his exit as Will Davenport back in 2024 after six years on the show and left a huge hole in viewers’ hearts.
Whilst many have been thrilled to welcome a new vicar to the team, it seems they just can’t move on from Davenport’s departure – especially when his name often comes up during the episodes.
Taking to X to express their frustration over frequent references to Will’s character, one noted: “They keep mentioning Will all the time how are we supposed to move on with Alphy if they won’t let us!”
Alphy Kotteram replaced Will Davenport in the latest series
ITV
“Stop depressing me with Will mentions, please,” another fan commented, before another penned: “Yes we all miss Will.”
Someone else said: “We’re all still pining for Will… they keep mentioning and it is not making my grieving process any easier!”
Others pondered: “How long do you think this show will last? How many times can they replace the hot vicar who’s good at solving murders and instantly hits it off Geordie with another one of the same ilk.”
Before Will’s departure, Brittney shared valuable advice with Nair that had been passed down from the original vicar James Norton.
Fans welcomed Alphy Kotteram with open arms but couldn’t help but think about Will
ITV
During a Q&A, the star recalled meeting Nair: “I remember you came into the hotel when we were filming, it was the first time I saw this handsome man and we just chatted.”
The advice included practical tips about costume management, dealing with co-star Robson Green’s jokes, and phone storage solutions.
While there wasn’t a formal ‘handshake episode’ like Brittney had experienced with Norton, he noted that Nair quickly adapted to his new role.
Green also offered encouraging words to newcomers on the show, emphasising the importance of getting to know the team.
“They love it as much as you do, no one’s judgemental, there’s no ego around there, that’s all in my trailer,” Green joked.
The veteran actor shared his enthusiasm for Nair’s future on the show, stating: “I envy the journey Rishi has got ahead of him.”
Fans of the show have been left devastated by all the departures over the years
ITV
Green, celebrating his 60th year, predicted the experience would bring lasting joy to the new cast members, adding: “They’ll look back on this journey.
“This experience, with such fondness and love.”
