John Simm and Richie Campbell have such an enjoyable experience filming ITV’s Grace that they remain content to continue inhabiting their characters in the Brighton-based crime series.
Based on the Roy Grace book collection written by Peter James, the drama features Simm, known for his work in Life On Mars and Doctor Who, as the lead detective superintendent, with Campbell taking on the role of DI Glenn Branson.
As the programme begins its sixth run, the atmosphere is tense for East Sussex Police.
Several months have elapsed since Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Cassian Pewe, portrayed by Sam Hoare, was apprehended at the dramatic close of the previous series, and fresh investigations await.
From a missing person investigation revealing concealed web of secrets and a university campus harbouring a menacing pursuer, to a tragic fatality on a Brighton council estate, alongside a deadly road accident that proves deceptive, it is not long before Grace and his colleagues must resume their investigative duties.
Prior to the launch, Simm and Campbell share what audiences can anticipate from the latest run.
The pair reflect on their continued involvement in the programme, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue portraying their respective characters. They note their initial uncertainty about whether the series would extend beyond one or two seasons, yet credit its development and audience numbers for sustaining its continuation. Simm describes his appreciation for leading a police drama, emphasising the familial atmosphere created by recurring crew members and the comfort of returning to familiar surroundings. Campbell similarly conveys enthusiasm about reaching the sixth series, attributing its longevity to viewer enthusiasm and the growing connection audiences have developed with the programme. Both performers highlight their commitment to maintaining high standards with each new season, viewing each installment as potentially the strongest yet.
Regarding Grace’s situation at the commencement of this series, Simm explains that the consequences of the Cassian Pewe controversy continue to affect the team, who remain under scrutiny, while a ominous caution delivered at the conclusion of the previous run regarding threats to Bruno also looms. Though the characters become embroiled in fresh investigative work, this underlying menace persists, with Grace making a significant choice to withhold information from Cleo, a decision Simm acknowledges disagreement with while acknowledging Grace’s fundamentally decent nature.
When addressing whether the professional relationship between Grace and Branson faces strain, Simm reveals they engage in a dispute, describing it as an unusual but compelling scene given their characters rarely clash. He observes that despite elevated tensions, these are ordinary individuals who err, a quality he finds endearing about their portrayal.
Discussing the discomfort of portraying conflict between their characters, Simm admits it felt awkward, recalling Campbell’s quip about adopting method techniques during their brief period of not communicating, though Simm clarifies the duration was shorter than suggested.
Regarding Branson’s approach to this season’s investigations, Campbell notes considerable strain throughout, with moments where the character feels compelled to take unilateral action to address circumstances that could unfold in multiple directions. Later episodes reveal Branson’s choice to pursue an independent course of action he considers justified, leading to ramifications that create friction between himself and Grace. Campbell emphasises that for cases with personal resonance, Branson feels a strong obligation to intervene decisively and advocate for what he believes is correct.
Addressing Branson’s development from the first series through to the current one, Campbell points to the opportunity this season provides to witness character progressions. Audiences can observe Roy Grace’s trajectory from losing Sandy through to discovering related information about Sandy and Bruno, alongside Branson’s development involving his family circumstances, his cases, and his understanding of his work alongside the trauma stemming from the earlier shooting incident. Multiple elements contribute to these transformations. The wider team also faces pressure this season, with Bella portrayed by Laura Elphinstone and Brad Morrison’s character Nick also under investigation, marking the first occasion viewers witness these individuals operating under such intense circumstances. Campbell views this journey as fundamental to viewer comprehension. Branson has also advanced in rank, commencing as a DC, and this progression brings increased assurance alongside a deeper comprehension of his role.
Grace returns to ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, March 29.