ITV fans have echoed the same sentiment after tuning into the season premiere of Grantchester’s ninth series.
The opening chapter reintroduced viewers to DI Geordie Keating (embodied by Robson Green) and Reverend Will Davenport (portrayed by Tom Brittney) as they engaged in their latest murder.
The episode’s synopsis read: “A circus performer, Errol Macabre, is found dead, having been shot with a crossbow that was used for a magic trick.
“Was this a tragic accident caused by a malfunctioning prop? Or was there foul play? Will and Geordie must investigate to separate truth from illusion. Meanwhile, Will receives a surprising offer from the bishop that makes him question his life in Grantchester.”
But barely moments into the episode, die-hard fans swarmed social media with comments about Will’s departure – with many expressing they’re not ready for it, reports the Express.
One avid viewer tweeted: “It’s so good to have #Grantchester back. @tombrittney will already be missed.”
Someone else declared their resistance to change, imploring, “I’m not ready for change, can’t you stay Will #Grantchester,” while yet another chimed in with “I miss Sidney.”
Another chimed in, saying, “Will miss Tom as I did James.”
The chorus continued with “Not ready for Will to go #Grantchester,” mirroring similar feelings.
The sixth user expressed, “It shows how mentally unprepared I am for next week because that end scene already made me emotional.”
And one other spectator conveyed, “I preferred it when James Norton was in it, It hasn’t been the same since.”
According to the preview for the upcoming episode: “Geordie receives a call about a dead body at the River View Hotel, but when he goes to investigate, Will and Bonnie discover a baby abandoned inside the church wrapped in a blanket from the same hotel.
“Ernie leads the pair to believe the baby was abandoned by a schoolgirl. Geordie is shocked and upset to hear Will and Bonnie are thinking of leaving Grantchester.”
Devoted fans are already aware that Will does indeed make his exit, and a new reverend, portrayed by Rishi Nair, swiftly takes his place.
During a press Q&A, actor Tom Brittney confessed to his choice to leave the ITV series: “It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I’ve spent five or six years, and the happiest years of my career doing Grantchester and playing a character which just had so much depth and complexity and it was just a happy place.”
Grantchester returns on Wednesday at 9pm on ITV.
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