Based on Peter James’s bestselling novels, series six of Grace continues to blend complex and challenging investigations with the personal lives of the detectives.
It's been just under a year since we last saw Roy Grace and his team - and we left them in quite a predicament. When series six opens, we're months on from the arrest of Constable Cassian Pewe on suspicion of corruption. Grace's team are still reeling from the betrayal while they themselves are subject to an investigation. And can Grace trust what he was told about his wife's death?
This time, the four stories are titled Left You Dead, Capture You Dead, Dead Man’s Game and One Of Us Is Dead. Nice and cheery then!
Here's everything you need to know about Grace series six.
Who stars in Grace?
John Simm as DSU Roy Grace
As series six kicks off, we find the beleaguered detective dealing with the fallout from the actions of his constable, Cassian Pewe (Sam Hoare). His previously estranged son Bruno's (Finn Guegan) life has been threatened by the same gang who might have killed his wife Sandy (Clare Calbraith). And on top of everything, Grace and his girlfriend Cleo (Zoë Tapper) are supposed to be getting married!
'When we were meeting up all those years ago, we were so thrilled to be doing the first one and we thought maybe one or two,' John Simm says. 'And then it just seemed to find its feet. So I’m absolutely thrilled to be back again.'
Probably best known for his starring role as DI Sam Tyler on Life On Mars (2006-2007), John Simm has been a staple of British TV and film since the 1990s. He has only appeared in 7 episodes of Doctor Who, but his take on arch-villain The Master has become iconic.
John has also featured on Men Of The World (1994-1995), The Lakes (1997-1999), State Of Play (2003), Mad Dogs (2011-2013), The Village (2013-2014), and The Catch (2016-2017), as well as cult classic feature films Wonderland and Human Traffic (both 1999).
Richie Campbell as DI Glenn Branson
The team morale is low at the start of the series, since they're being investigated for misconduct as a result of their former constable Cassian Pewe (Sam Hoare). DI Glenn Branson and his wife Ari (Rebecca Scroggs) are both under investigation, putting strain on the character at work and at home.
'Branson will always be there for Grace,' Richie Campbell says. 'He’s one of the people who’s been with him through all of it. He understands what Grace has been dealing with.'
One of Richie Campbell's earliest roles came with another ITV police drama, The Bill (2006-2007), as Dominic Hardy. He then went on to play Ndale Kayuni on Waterloo Road (2013) and starred in Liar (2017-2020).
Richie also played Chris on 6 episodes of Top Boy (2011-2022), and Tyrone in the comedy film Anuvahood (2011).
Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey
At the start of the series, Grace's girlfriend Cleo is still learning how to deal with the tragic loss of their baby, the presence of Grace's teenage son Bruno (Finn Guegan), and planning their wedding.
Zoë Tapper has been acting steadily since the early 2000s, with her first major role being Nell Gwynn in the film Stage Beauty (2004). She then went on to star in Survivors (2008-2010), and previously shared the screen with Grace co-star Richie Campbell in Liar (2017-2020).
Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy
DS Bella Moy is a vital member of the team, sharp and with good instincts. She keeps her personal life close to the chest, but we have learned that she's looking after her ailing mother.
This is Laura Elphinstone's first major TV role, though she has appeared in episodes of Doctors (2011), Holby City (2013), Call The Midwife (2017), Vera (2018) and Game Of Thrones (2019).
She also played Helen in the film Military Wives (2019), and featured in three episodes of Chernobyl (2019) as Oksana.
What happened to Grace's wife?
According to corrupt constable Cassian Pewe (Sam Hoare), Grace's wife Sandy (Clare Calbraith) was murdered by the Benchdale gang over her gambling debts. Last series, the gang used Pewe to deliver a message to Grace, threatening to come after his and Sandy's son, Bruno (Finn Guegan).
Where was Grace filmed?
Grace is shot and set in and around Brighton and Hove, showing a grittier side to the sunny seaside destination. Coastal landmarks including the Brighton Palace Pier have featured heavily in the series.
Is Grace based on a book?
Grace is based on Peter James' bestselling series of novels, which began in 2005. Most episodes are based on one of these books, but in this latest series the production team have also able to create their own fresh stories with Peter James' input.
'I love the fact that we sort of veered away from the novels,' John Simm says. 'The TV show has become a thing in its own right – and can even pull the rug out from under viewers who know the books.'
Will there be a seventh series of Grace?
There's no word yet on whether we can expect another series of Grace, but it's a popular show, and John Simm is certainly up for reprising his role.
'I will happily do this as long as people want it,' he laughs. 'I do realise how lucky I am.'
Where can I watch Grace?
Tune into ITV1 on Sundays at 8pm from 29 March to catch the new series of Grace. All four episodes will also be available on ITVX.
Madeline Pritchard has been an Editorial Assistant for TV Choice and its sister publication Total TV Guide for four years. Madeline mainly covers film for the magazines, but she has a soft spot for American prestige TV and anarchic Channel 4 comedy shows.