ITV Grace fans were left absolutely devastated as one of its stars announced their exit.
The fourth series is due to air on ITV in the coming weeks, and another follow-up is set to return in 2025.
Four new episodes of Grace will air on the commercial network next year, but one star has confirmed that he will not be part of the next instalment.
Actor Craig Parkinson has played DS Norman Potting since the show’s inception in 2021.
He has starred in all four series of the crime drama based on the Roy Grace novels of best-selling author, Peter James.
However, the former Line Of Duty star took to social media with an emotional announcement this week.
He told his Instagram followers that he will be hanging up the detective badge after the forthcoming four episodes make their way to the airwaves.
Posting the trailer and various behind-the-scenes images, he wrote a long essay.
Craig, 48, explained: “Some #Grace news… After a very happy few years I’ve made the decision to hand in Norman Potting’s detective badge.
“The new season of #Grace begins on @itv on September 1st but it will also be my last.
“It’s been a wonderful experience taking this character from page to screen & updating him for a new audience. There was a huge sense of responsibility in portraying such a character from @peterjamesuk much-loved book series but with a few tweaks here and there from our excellent script team and the support from Peter, I’m really glad that he resonated with the audience.”
The star paid tribute to his fellow co-stars including leading man, John Simm.
Craig also thanked Richie Campbell, Brad Morrison, Zoe Tapper, and his ‘partner’, Laura Elphinstone.
He also paid tribute to the crew behind the cameras as he paid special attention to the various guest directors.
He added: “It’s been a wonderful journey playing Norman Potting, chasing around the streets of Brighton and dangling bad guys off Brighton Pier.
“I really hope you enjoy this season, it’s been a blast.”
It’s been a wonderful experience taking this character from page to screen & updating him for a new audience.
Craig Parkinson on Instagram
Fans of the show were left absolutely devastated, as they flooded his post with comments.
One fan exclaimed: “Ohhhh, no! I will miss your character.”
“That’s a bummer- you were my favorite on the show,” stated a second user.
As a third posted: “Oh no way, you were the best! Exactly as I imagined Norman would be after reading the books, done a great job, will be sad to see you go.”
While someone else stated: “Loved watching you in this series. Love watching you in anything! Hope to see you in something else, soon. Won’t be the same without you.”
And a fifth viewer added: “I don’t think I can cope with whatever this series has in store for dear Norman.”
Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.
“Massive thanks to everyone that’s watched, supported and also those that have said hello when we’ve been filming around Brighton & Hove.
“New #Grace season for you, last one for me. Really hope you enjoy xx.”
Grace will return to screens at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX on Spetember 1st.
