Grantchester is back on ITV1 with series 9, and - to borrow a song title from The Beatles (roughly the same era, give or take) - it's a case of 'Hello, Goodbye' for Robson Green's character DI Geordie Keating.

In the latest series of the detective drama set and filmed in Grantchester, Geordie says a sad farewell to his pal and sidekick, the Reverend Will Davenport.

But he's not lonely for very long, as there's a new Reverend in town in the time it would take us to recite the Lord's Prayer...

Here's everything you need to know about Grantchester series 9, including the plot, what date it's set, new and old cast, start date, and why Tom Brittney is leaving his role as Will Davenport.

Is there a season 9 of Grantchester, and when is it set?

Grantchester series 9 is set in 1961, and it's a time of much change for DI Geordie Keating and the Reverend Will Davenport, along with their respective families.

As the latest episodes begin, Will considers new challenges elsewhere after he's "approached with a life changing offer". Meanwhile, Geordie and Cathy Keating deal with an increasingly independent Esme in a dangerous world.

A synopsis from ITV tells us: "It's not long before Alphy Kottaram makes his arrival as the new vicar, enchanted by the village and remarkably gallant about his rocky welcome. Will the locals ever be able to accept him as one of their own?"

In episode 1, the circus comes to town. Will and Geordie must investigate when one of the performers is found dead, having been shot with a crossbow that was used in a magic trick.

After finding out the crossbow was tampered with and the death wasn't an accident, the pair have a difficult task in solving the crime as all the performers have alibis for the time of the murder...

Who is in the cast?

Soldier Soldier actor Robson Green returns as DI Geordie Keating in the cast of Grantchester series 9. It's a role he insists he has no intention of leaving anytime soon.

Unlike actor Tom Brittney, who announced he was leaving the show for pastures new way back in 2023. At the time, he said: "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."

He added: "I'll miss it more than anything. But it's time for the baton to be passed, as it once was to me [by James Norton], and I'm so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family."

We warn you, Will and Geordie's final scenes together are very emotional!

Al Weaver - star of Press, The Nativity, and Daddy Issue's - also returns as Leonard Finch, opposite Only Fools and Horses star Tessa Peake-Jones as Mrs Chapman.

Former Easties actress Kacey Ainsworth reprises her role as Cathy Keating, while Nick Brimble, aka Emmerdale's Terence Turner, returns as Jack Chapman.

Oliver Dimsdale is Daniel Marlowe, Bradley Hall portrays Larry Peters, and Melissa Johns plays Miss Scott.

Charlotte Ritchie stars as Bonnie Davenport, but leaves with her on-screen husband Will at the end of episode 2.

Who is the new vicar in Grantchester in 2025?

Actor Rishi Nair joins the cast as "the new one" - by that we mean charismatic and witty vicar, Alphy Kotteram, who replaces the departing Reverend Will Davenport. Of course, soap fans will know Rishi as Maalik in Hollyoaks, a role he played from 2017 to 2021.

Rishi is also famous for playing Maajid in Count Abdulla, Adnan in Whitstable Pearl, and Shamil Malik in The Marlow Murder Club.

He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Grantchester. The welcome and support I've received from everyone has been overwhelming. The success of the show and the reason we are here for a ninth season is a testament to all the people that have previously worked on it."

He added: "I'm really excited to get started and cannot wait for the Grantchester fans to meet Alphy and to see all that's in store for him."

Meanwhile, Robson Green added: "I feel so blessed to be embarking once again on this thrilling journey with the beloved series, Grantchester. However, amid the exhilaration, a tinge of sadness lingers for all of us as we are bidding farewell to my close friend and remarkable actor Tom Brittney, whose portrayal of the charismatic Will Davenport will be sorely missed.

"Yet, we are all delighted in welcoming the incredibly talented Rishi Nair to the Grantchester family! With his exceptional skills and magnetic presence, I have no doubt that Rishi will be captivating the hearts of millions not only in the UK but also across the globe."

How many episodes is series 9?

There are eight episodes in Grantchester series 9. Each episode is one hour long, including ad breaks.

Previous series of Grantchester have varied between six episodes and eight. Series 1 to 5 were all six episodes long, while series 6 was eight instalments.

Series 7 and 8 reverted back to six episodes. However, series 9 will be a more leisurely eight episodes again.

Where can I watch Grantchester season 9? What's the start date?

Grantchester series 9 starts on Wednesday, January 08, 2025 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. All episodes will be available to watch on ITVX after they've aired on ITV1 every Wednesday.

Series 1 to 8 are all currently available to watch on ITVX.

Will Grantchester have a season 10?

ITV has already confirmed that Grantchester will be returning for a series 10. Actors Robson Green and Rishi Nair will be back as DI Geordie Keating and Reverend Alphy Kottaram.

In 2024, Masterpiece executive producer Susanne Simpson said: "I couldn't be happier to recommission Grantchester for a 10th season."

She added: "This is hands down one of our most popular series, and I know the fans will be thrilled to see it continue with the outstanding Robson Green and Rishi Nair back for more crime solving."

Season 10 of filming is set to commence in July 2025, and we can expect it on out screens in January 2026.

Grantchester series 9 lands on ITV1 at 9pm on Wednesday, January 08, 2025.