BBC’s ‘brilliant’ cosy detective drama Father Brown is returning – and it’s sooner than you think

Mark Williams reprises his role as the titular crime busting priest, who is based on the classic character created by author GK Chesterton.

The 1950s-set series picks up after the joyous wedding celebrations at the end of series 12, with the new Mr and Mrs Sullivan settling into married life and a new home, with Isabel thrilled to join the Policeman’s Wives Society. 

Elsewhere, Brenda embarks on a journey of self-empowerment as she covers the role of Parish Secretary and learns to drive with the help of Sergeant Goodfellow. The synopsis continues: “Father Brown is tasked by Flambeau to visit Father Lazarus in prison, resulting in a deadly game of cat and mouse which ruffles the feathers of Canon Fox. With his consecration now looming, Bishop-Elect Fox plans to enact his revenge upon Father Brown, leaving Kembleford changed forever. And in a Father Brown first – the group take a trip to the seaside!”

Reprising their roles alongside Mark Williams are Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as the new Mrs Isabel Sullivan, Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda and John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow. Also returning are Nancy Carroll as Lady Felicia, John Light as Hercule Flambeau, Lex Shrapnel as Father Lazarus, Roger May as Canon Fox and Kieran Hodgson as Father Lindsey.

The upcoming series also welcomes guest stars Dame Maureen Lipman, Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels, Debra Stephenson, Davood Ghadami, Kevin Harvey, George Rainsford and Timothy Watson.

Meanwhile, Sorcha Cusack makes a special return as Mrs McCarthy for the first episode.

Mark Williams detailed some of the stunning filming locations used for series 13 of the drama, which is set in the fictional Cotswold village of Kembleford. 

“This year, our 13th, has been a great year for interesting locations,” said the actor. “We have filmed in The Chateaux Impney a French fantasy in Droitwich, the little theatre in Chipping Norton (an ex Salvation Army Citadel), the wonderful 18th Century octagonal Crown Courts in Warwick and an atmospheric ex-Nunnery in Great Malvern with a glorious chapel by Ninian Comper. Also, The Fleece Inn in Bretforton which is a English pub time capsule, the spectacular Baroque church at Great Witley, and to top it off a selection of lovely stone Cotswold houses and churches.”

Not only is the series well loved among loyal fans, who have hailed the show as “delightful” and “brilliant”, but it’s been met with positive reviews from critics. The Telegraph awarded series 12 four stars while The Guardian praised the stories of the source material as “the best the genre has ever seen” in 2013. 

This comforting drama is the ultimate cosy crime show. Set in the idyllic fictional village of Kembleford in the 1950s, where it’s always summer time, the show offers a blend of cosy mystery and gentle humour with a charismatic lead and quirky cast of characters. No violence, no gore, just sheer nostalgic escapism. 

If you’re a fan of Midsomer Murders or Rosemary & Thyme, which also offer gentle crime-solving with strong character focus, then you’ll love Father Brown. It’s also worth checking on the 1960s-set spin-off, Sister Boniface Mysteries, about a wine-making nun with a PHD in forensic science who advises the police on their investigations.