Stars and producers behind ITV drama Grace recently opened up about including a "very relevant" issue in the upcoming series six of the show.
The hit crime drama returns to screens on Sunday evening, with John Simm and Richie Campbell reprising their roles as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and DI Glenn Branson respectively. Speaking to GB News and other media, they and producer Phil Hunter delved into what fans can expect from the new episodes.
The Brighton-set series, adapted from Peter James's bestselling novels, launches its sixth run at 8pm on Sunday, March 29 on ITV1.
Since its debut in 2021, the programme has become one of the broadcaster's most successful dramas, with the fifth series ranking among ITV's top-performing shows last year.
ITV Grace stars discussed what to expect from the sixth series
| ITVOne of the new series' most significant storylines tackles the issue of women's safety, a topic producer Mr Hunter described as "a very somber and important issue and something that is sadly, very relevant."
Unlike the other episodes, this particular instalment was not adapted from James's novels but was instead developed as an original story led by the writing and producing team, working alongside Caroline Carver.
Mr Hunter explained that extensive discussions took place to ensure the subject matter was handled appropriately within the context of a Sunday evening entertainment programme.
"It was to make sure that we were addressing that topic with kind of the right level of respect to it," he said, adding that the production team ensured the portrayal was "never gratuitous" and that victims' deaths were "given an agency and given a voice in the story."
Grace returns to ITV for series six on Sunday
|ITV
Mr Simm revealed that the new series finds his character still grappling with the aftermath of the Cassian Pewe scandal, with the entire team facing an investigation.
The actor explained that a menacing warning delivered at the conclusion of series five continues to loom large, with threats directed at Grace's son Bruno.
"We find him and Glenn with that hanging over them, really, but, you know, we're also straight into a new case to solve too!" Mr Simm said.
Adding to the detective's troubles, wedding plans with partner Cleo Morey remain on the back burner, though Mr Simm noted his character is unlikely to be "choosing the colours of the napkins."
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The Grace star teased what can be expected from his character in the new series | ITVAcross all five series, Grace has accumulated more than 16 million streams on ITVX.
Mr Simm expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the role, stating: "This is the longest I've been involved in any show!
"But it's such a joy to do, and to be surrounded by a team like this for large chunks of the year makes it impossible to turn down."
Mr Campbell also shared his excitement about the upcoming episodes, emphasising the team's commitment to continually raising the bar with each series.
ITV Grace stars talked about a 'very relevant' issue covered in series six
| ITV"It doesn't feel like we're just churning stuff out," he said. "It's like, 'what can we do next?'"
The four new instalments adapt the novels Left You Dead, Capture You Dead, Dead Man's Game, and One Of Us Is Dead.
Zoë Tapper returns as Cleo Morey, while Laura Elphinstone, Brad Morrison and Juliette Motamed reprise their roles as DS Bella Moy, DC Nick Nicholl and DC Vee Wilde respectively.
Guest stars joining the East Sussex Police drama include Rishi Nair, Ali Khan, Sara Powell, Chizzy Akudolu, Dylan Corbett-Bader, Peter De Jersey and Amir Wilson.
Episodes will be available to stream on ITVX following broadcast.