John Simm has addressed his future on ITV drama Grace ahead of the sixth series.
The actor, who portrays Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, expressed his enthusiasm for the show's upcoming episodes, describing the production as a uniquely rewarding experience in his career.
Mr Simm went on to declare his intention to remain with the programme for as long as viewers continue watching the Brighton-set crime drama.
"I will happily do this as long as people want it," Mr Simm stated.
John Simm shared his hopes for the future of the series
|ITV
"I realise how lucky I am to have, you know, the cop show. Playing the lead in a cop show."
The star emphasised the special bond he shares with his fellow cast and crew members. "I love the job. I love the people, and it's unlike anything I've ever done in so much as it genuinely is like, like a family," he added.
ITV has confirmed the popular detective series will return for a sixth run, with Mr Simm reuniting with co-stars Richie Campbell as DI Glenn Branson and Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey.
The new series will comprise four standalone films adapted from Peter James's bestselling novels: Left You Dead, Capture You Dead, Dead Man's Game, and One Of Us Is Dead.
The Grace star teased what can be expected from his character in the new series | ITVSeveral familiar faces will reprise their roles, including Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy, Brad Morrison as DC Nick Nicholl, and Juliette Motamed as DC Vee Wilde.
The upcoming series will also welcome a number of guest performers, among them Rishi Nair, Ali Khan, Sara Powell, Chizzy Akudolu, Dylan Corbett-Bader, Peter De Jersey and Amir Wilson.
Mr Simm reflected on the drama's remarkable journey from its humble beginnings, recalling how the team initially harboured modest ambitions for the project.
"You know, when all those years ago were meeting up, and you know, we were so thrilled to be doing the first one," he explained. "And you know, we thought, oh, maybe one or two [series]."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Grace returns to screens for series six later this month | ITVThe show's trajectory exceeded all expectations as it gradually established itself with audiences. "And then it just seemed to to, you know, find its feet and and viewing figures," Mr Simm noted.
The fifth series ranked among ITV's most watched dramas in 2025, whilst the programme has accumulated more than 16 million streams across ITVX throughout its five-series run.
The actor offered a glimpse into what lies ahead for his character in the forthcoming episodes, suggesting Roy Grace's personal struggles will continue to feature prominently.
"You can't have, like a completely happy detective," he remarked. "That's an idea for a show, isn't it? The Happy detective."
The actor acknowledged he relishes portraying his character's emotional turmoil. "So I love the sort of trauma that he's going through as an actor, not for him.
"Obviously, it's awful for him, but to play that, you know, the problems he having is he has in his personal life," Mr Simm explained.
The role represents the longest commitment of his career, something Mr Simm described as "such a joy to do" whilst expressing eagerness to discover where Roy's story leads next.
Series six of ITV Grace starts on Sunday, March 29 at 8pm.