A POPULAR long-running BBC crime drama has been renewed for two more series.
Father Brown, starring Arthur Weasley actor Mark Williams in the lead role, is already filming its 14th series in the Cotswolds and there looks to be plenty of life in the cosy rural programme yet.
Father Brown has been commissioned for at least tow more seriesCredit: BBC
Lex Shrapnel returns as villain Father LazarusCredit: BBC
Series 13 villain Father Lazarus [Lex Shrapnel] is back to wreak more havoc despite being banged up for stealing a statue from the Vatican.
The disgraced priest was such a formidable foe it required Father Brown to team up with the charismatic art thief Hercule Flambeau to tackle him.
Speculation is rife that Lazarus will seek revenge on Father Brown for his incarceration, possibly by fueling friction between him and Bishop-elect Fox.
Fox and Brown have been clashing since series 10, with their contrasting approaches to the church.
Fox is much more conventional and his primary focus is ensuring the institution is viewed in the best possible light, while Brown is concentrated on helping the community and saving souls.
star Williams waxed lyrical about the setting of the drama after admitting it was tough leaving his garden behind as it begins to flourish.
“The trees are wearing their swank-coats of blossom: hawthorn, apple, pear and blackthorn – and the splendid white and pink cherries,” he said.
“There are lots of magnolias too, looking like enormous wedding bouquets, and all the trees are coming into leaf. I love the horse chestnut leaves still drooping, not yet plumped up.
“The grass looks worthy of the salad bowl and the arable fields are greening. If you are not careful you could come over all poetic; but we’ve got 10 shows to make – no time for versifying. Cassock on, let the sleuthing begin.”
Some fresh faces are being added into the mix too.
Hannah Bristow will star as Father Brown’s new housekeeper Rita Flint, while comedian and Clive Mantle will guest.
It all makes for an enticing prospect and looks set to continue the drama’s accolade of being the UK’s number one daytime drama of the past decade.
Helen Munson, commissioning editor at the BBC, said: “He’s back. We are delighted to be working with BBC Studios again to give the devoted fans two more series of our crime-fighting cleric.
“With top-notch writing, fabulous cast and the beautiful Cotswolds as the backdrop, it’s no wonder that Father Brown continues to be a firm favourite with the audiences all over the world.”
Neil Irvine, executive producer for BBC Studios Drama Productions, said: “I’m delighted that Mark Williams is returning as Father Brown for a further two series and that his creative contribution has been recognised with an EP (executive producer) credit.
“With Hannah joining us to play intriguing new housekeeper Rita, and Father Lazarus returning for a thrilling endgame, this series promises to be the most exciting yet.”
Mark as Arthur Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2Credit: Alamy
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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