Tom Brittney is on his final episodes of Grantchester.

Masterpiece, via ITV, revealed recently that the actor will be leaving the series, which airs on PBS in the US, after the conclusion of season 8, and Rishi Nair will take over the vicar role.

Keep reading to find out more…

In a statement, via Deadline, Tom opened up about leaving the show.

“I’ve had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years,” he said. “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.”

Rishi added, “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. 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.”

Rishi will portray Alphy Kotteram, the new, charismatic vicar, taking over the post from Tom‘s Reverend Will Davenport.

Find out more about Grantchester‘s current season now.